Police reveal how three AAU students were rescued after deadly kidnap attack in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has revealed how a coordinated security operation led to the rescue of three abducted students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, less than 48 hours after they were kidnapped by armed men who also killed another student during the attack.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday evening at Ujemen G.T. Extension, Ekpoma, where suspected kidnappers launched an attack that claimed the life of a 300-Level student before whisking away three female students into a nearby forest.

Addressing journalists in Benin City on Tuesday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Edo Ikoedem, said the command received a distress report at about 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, prompting an immediate large-scale rescue operation.

According to Ikoedem, preliminary investigations showed that the deceased student, identified as 24-year-old Peter Ekpen Adolor, responded to cries for help outside a hostel gate when the gunmen struck.

She explained that Adolor attempted to open the hostel gate to ascertain the source of the distress when one of the armed attackers shot him in the abdomen.

“He was immediately rushed to Eguaven Hospital, Ekpoma, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,” she said.

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The assailants subsequently abducted three students of Ambrose Alli University before escaping into the surrounding bush.

Following the report, Commissioner of Police Agbonika ordered the immediate deployment of tactical police units and personnel from nearby divisions, including the Ekpoma Division, to work alongside the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters in a joint rescue mission.

According to the police, the combined security team launched extensive bush-combing operations backed by intelligence gathering to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims without harm.

The breakthrough came in the early hours of Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., when security operatives located the kidnappers’ hideout inside Erah Forest.

Ikoedem said the operatives engaged the gang in a fierce gun battle, during which the superior firepower and tactical response of the joint team overwhelmed the kidnappers.

Faced with intense resistance, the criminals reportedly abandoned their captives and fled into the forest.

The rescued students were identified as 21-year-old Favour Okoroje, 19-year-old Balogun Precious, and 18-year-old Praise Obagbalu. All three were immediately taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment.

The operation also yielded significant recoveries, including three AK-47 rifles with magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, one Red Cross bag, and a phone charger.

Police further disclosed that one suspected kidnapper was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while another suspect was arrested with serious gunshot injuries.

Ikoedem noted that security agencies have continued operations in the area to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the criminal gang, believed to have been responsible for a series of kidnapping incidents in Ekpoma and its surrounding communities.

While expressing satisfaction over the successful rescue of the abducted students, the command lamented the loss of Peter Ekpen Adolor.

“While the Command is pleased with the successful rescue of the abducted students, it remains deeply saddened by the unfortunate death of Peter Ekpen Adolor,” Ikoedem said.

She conveyed the condolences of Commissioner Agbonika, officers, and men of the Edo State Police Command to the deceased’s family, the management of Ambrose Alli University, fellow students, and everyone affected by the tragic incident.

The Commissioner also commended the courage, professionalism, and resilience displayed by personnel of the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, and the local hunters whose collaborative efforts ensured the success of the rescue operation.

He further appreciated the Edo State Government and members of the public for providing timely and credible information that aided the operation, stressing that continued cooperation between citizens and security agencies remains critical in the fight against crime across the state.