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Edo Police Rescue Victim, Foil Abduction on Benin-Lagos Road.
The Edo State Police Command has delivered a significant victory against the pervasive threat of highway banditry, announcing the successful rescue of a kidnap victim and the foiling of a separate abduction attempt on the notorious Benin-Lagos Expressway. In a statement released on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed that these twin successes were the direct result of intensified and intelligence-led security operations aimed at sanitizing one of the nation’s most dangerous travel routes. The operations represent a critical step toward restoring public confidence in highway safety and reaffirming the police force’s commitment to combating the criminal elements that have turned major roads into a source of constant fear for travelers.
For years, Nigeria’s interstate highways, including the crucial Benin-Lagos corridor, have been a hotbed for kidnappers and armed bandits. This widespread criminality is a symptom of a larger security crisis, often driven by high unemployment rates, poverty, and the proliferation of illegal arms. Travelers describe the anxiety of journeying on these routes as a “journey through the valley of the shadow of death,” with ambushes and barricades becoming a common sight. The audacity of these criminals, who have even ambushed military and police convoys in the past, has made ordinary citizens feel particularly vulnerable. The Edo State Police Command’s recent successes, therefore, are not just isolated incidents of crime prevention but a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing sense of helplessness that has long gripped the traveling public. It is a testament to the fact that with renewed strategy and determination, the police can reclaim these vital arteries from the hands of criminal syndicates.
The first of the two notable successes was the rescue of Ms. Elohor Osifoh, who had been abducted on September 10. According to the police spokesperson, her freedom was secured following “days of relentless bush combing rescue operations.” This process, a painstaking and often dangerous one, involves police operatives traversing dense forests and treacherous terrain in pursuit of the kidnappers. The immense relief of her family, who had been enduring a period of harrowing uncertainty, cannot be overstated. This outcome stands as a powerful reminder of the human-centered aspect of security work—the ultimate goal is not just to apprehend criminals, but to restore victims to their loved ones and bring a sense of closure to a traumatic experience. Ms. Osifoh’s safe return signals a victory for the human spirit over the forces of fear and desperation.
In a separate and equally critical operation, police operatives thwarted an attempted abduction in the early hours of September 13. At about 02:30hrs, a routine patrol team from the Okada Division, led by CSP Opatoyinbo John, swiftly responded to a distress call along the Benin-Lagos Expressway. The criminals, employing a common tactic of highway bandits, had barricaded the road with logs and were already in the process of attacking a Toyota Sienna vehicle. They opened fire on the vehicle, which was driven by Nana Aghogho, a 51-year-old who was transporting fingerling fish from Lagos to Akwa Ibom. On board were two passengers, Oseghale Mathias and John Edobor, who were suddenly thrust into a life-threatening situation. The swift response of the police, who engaged the gunmen in a fierce shootout, forced the criminals to abandon their mission and flee into the nearby forest, leaving the victims unharmed. This decisive action not only saved three lives but also sent a strong message to other criminals that the highways are no longer a safe haven for their activities.
The success of these operations is a direct reflection of a more strategic, intelligence-driven approach to policing that has been championed by the Edo State government. The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has been at the forefront of implementing a multi-layered security strategy that involves not only increased patrols but also enhanced collaboration with local vigilante groups and other security agencies. The command’s ability to respond so effectively to a distress call in the dead of night demonstrates a significant improvement in its operational readiness and intelligence network. By engaging with local communities and leveraging local knowledge, the police are better able to gather the kind of actionable intelligence that leads to successful rescue missions and the prevention of further crime. The Commissioner’s commendation of the operatives highlights the importance of morale and professionalism in achieving these results and serves as an encouragement for other security personnel to rise to the challenge of a volatile security landscape.
In a state where economic activities depend heavily on the free flow of goods and people, the security of its highways is paramount. The recent actions by the Edo State Police Command offer a glimmer of hope for a future where citizens can travel without the paralyzing fear of being ambushed and kidnapped. The successful rescue of Ms. Osifoh and the foiled abduction of the three travelers are not just headlines; they are tangible proof of a renewed commitment to public safety. While the challenge remains immense, these victories demonstrate that with the right leadership, strategy, and collaboration, the police can make meaningful progress in their fight to flush out criminal elements and restore peace and security on Nigeria’s roads.
