The Edo State Police Command has rescued 11 farm workers who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ogbido Community, Iyahmo, Etsako East Local Government Area, following a coordinated rescue operation that culminated in a gun battle with the assailants.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, the victims, comprising nine men and two women, were kidnapped while working on their farms. Acting on a distress call received on June 25, operatives of the Iyahmo Police Division, supported by local vigilantes and hunters, launched a search-and-rescue mission into the surrounding forest.

The rescue team reportedly engaged the kidnappers in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing the suspects to flee into the forest and abandon the victims.

Police confirmed that all 11 victims were rescued unharmed. They were taken to a medical facility for examination before being reunited with their families.

Commending the operatives, vigilantes, and hunters for their swift response and bravery, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, assured residents that security operations have been intensified across the state to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities.

He also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.