The Edo State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered the remains of one of the victims abducted in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued by the command, three women Mrs. Favour Nosakhare (66), Mrs. Emmanuel Annabel Osasere (28), and Miss Rejoice Otikpere (26) were abducted by these suspects.
The victims were taken from their residence in Iyowa Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, May 9, 2026
Following the abduction, the suspects reportedly contacted the victims’ families and demanded ransom for their release. This prompted an extensive rescue operation involving aerial surveillance and coordinated searches across identified forests and criminal hideouts within the area.
The arrest and abducted victim’s remains recovery
During the operation, police operatives stormed one of the kidnappers’ camps and engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle. Although the suspects eventually fled the scene, they abandoned a blood-stained jacket and expended AK-47 ammunition.
The Command said further investigations by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) led to the arrest of one Musa Haruna, 23, who was found with a gunshot wound. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to participating in the kidnapping operation.
Haruna later guided investigators to a forest in Ogwa Community, where the remains of one of the victims were recovered.
The deceased was subsequently identified by family members as Mrs. Favour Nosakhare, one of the women abducted during the May 9 incident.
The police assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the kidnapping syndicate. While stressing the command’s commitment to justice, accountability, and public safety.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Edo state police command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, appraised the operatives for their resilience, professionalism, and dedication. Noting that their efforts were instrumental in achieving the breakthrough in the case.
