The Edo State Security Corps has arrested three suspected kidnappers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, following multiple complaints from residents about the rising cases of abduction in the region.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, retired Commissioner of Police Friday Ibadin, stated that the suspects were apprehended after his team responded to a distress call from a woman who had been targeted for abduction.
According to Ibadin, the woman, identified as Mrs. Ufuha Rita, managed to hide and alert security operatives when armed men invaded her residence. The security team swiftly mobilized, rescued the victim, and launched an operation that led to the arrest of three of the seven suspects involved in the attempted kidnapping.
“The victim identified her attackers, and we tracked them to their various hideouts. So far, three suspects have been arrested, and we will hand them over to the police for further investigation,” Ibadin stated.
He further alleged that the attack was linked to a group called Esan Awareness Group, allegedly led by one Mr. Bruce, who resides in Sweden. The victim accused the group of fueling insecurity in the area while claiming to work for the protection of Esan people.
The arrested suspects—Asene Ogah (49), Ibhafidon Eric (29), and Ekpu Godfrey (44)—were found in possession of two locally made pump-action guns. One of them, Ekpu Godfrey, reportedly confessed to past involvement in kidnapping but claimed to have since abandoned the crime.
Mrs. Ufuha Rita expressed gratitude to the Edo State Security Corps for saving her life, calling on relevant authorities to protect her from further threats.
Commander Ibadin reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to making Edo State unsafe for criminals, warning that all illegal security outfits operating without government approval would be dealt with.
“We will continue to collaborate with sister security agencies to rid the state of crime. Criminals should either leave Edo or face the full wrath of the law,” he added.
The suspects have been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
