Operatives of the Edo State Security Corp have apprehended three individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities in Uromi, the administrative center of the Esan North East Local Government Area.
The announcement was made by the Corp’s Commander, Friday Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police, during a press briefing in Benin City on Friday.
The suspects have been identified as Asene Ogah, 49, Ibhafidon Eric, 29, and Ekpu Godfrey, 44. According to Commander Ibadin, the suspects were found in possession of two locally manufactured pump-action firearms at the time of their arrest.
The operation that led to the suspects’ capture was initiated in response to numerous complaints from local residents regarding a surge in kidnapping incidents in the region. Commander Ibadin highlighted that the arrest stemmed from a distress call received from a woman who reported an imminent kidnapping at her residence.
“Our team had been conducting patrols in the area due to the rising concerns about criminal activities,” Ibadin explained.
“While en route to Esan land, we received an urgent call from a woman named Mrs. Ufuha Rita, who was in hiding and alerted us that kidnappers were attempting to abduct her. We quickly mobilized to her location, rescued her, and she provided us with information about the suspects.”
Following the rescue, Mrs. Rita assisted the operatives in locating the suspects’ residences, leading to the nighttime apprehension of three individuals from a group of seven involved in the attempted kidnapping.
Commander Ibadin reaffirmed the Corp’s commitment to combating crime in the region, stating, “We will make Edo State a hostile environment for criminals. The arrested suspects will be handed over to the police for further investigation.”
Additionally, Ibadin noted that one of the suspects, Ekpu Godfrey, admitted to previous involvement in kidnapping but claimed to have ceased such activities. The case underscores the ongoing challenges of security in the area and the proactive measures being taken by local authorities to address them.
