The Edo State Police Command has rescued a 70-year-old man, Pa Jonah Owobu, who was abducted by suspected kidnappers in Uwalo Oke, Uromi area of the state.
Police authorities said the victim’s wife reported the abduction a day after the incident, disclosing that the family had received a ₦30 million ransom demand from unidentified persons.
Acting on the report, the Divisional Police Officer in Amedokhian led a joint search-and-rescue operation involving police operatives, military personnel, local hunters, and members of the Edo State Security Corps.
During the operation, the team recovered the victim’s abandoned motorcycle and personal belongings along a forest path, which provided clues that led to the suspected hideout of the kidnappers.
On sighting the approaching security operatives, the suspects reportedly fled into the bush, abandoning the victim. He was rescued unharmed and has since been reunited with his family.
The police said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, with intensified combing of surrounding forests.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities, urging residents to provide timely and credible information to aid security operations.
