The Edo State Security Corp has apprehended three individuals suspected of kidnapping in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, following mounting concerns from residents over the rising cases of abductions in the region.
The suspects, identified as Asene Ogah, 49, Ibhafidon Eric, 29, and Ekpu Godfrey, 44, were found in possession of two locally made pump-action guns at the time of their arrest.
Speaking with journalists in Benin City on Friday, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corp, CP Friday Ibadin (retd.), detailed how his team successfully carried out the operation on Tuesday.
According to him, the breakthrough came after they received a distress call from a woman who reported that kidnappers had stormed her home. Acting swiftly, security operatives launched a bush combing operation across Esan land.
Ibadin revealed that the woman managed to hide in the bush, and his men were able to locate and secure her before proceeding to arrest the suspects.
He confirmed that three of the seven individuals who invaded her residence were apprehended while the search for the remaining suspects continues.
The security chief reiterated that Edo State would not serve as a safe haven for criminals, urging those involved in illicit activities to leave the state.
He also stated that the arrested suspects would be handed over to the police for further investigation.
“We have had a series of complaints from Esan land about frequent kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the areas. Following these complaints, our men were mobilized to embark on patrol and bush combing of the area three days ago,” Ibadin said.
He further explained, “On our way to Esan land, exactly at Ugoneki in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, I got a call from a distressed lady who identified herself as Ufuha Rita and cried for help.
“She spoke to us from her hiding place in Uromi. We drove down and rescued her. She said she knew the suspects and took us to their various houses at night, leading to the arrest of three out of the seven suspects.”
The commander also shed light on an alleged group, led by one Bruce, which the victim claimed was masquerading as a security outfit while allegedly facilitating criminal activities in Uromi.
“The victim said the group created by one Bruce is working against the security of Esan people, claiming to be securing them while criminal activities are on the increase, particularly in Uromi,” he added.
Ibadin disclosed that those in custody had already made incriminating revelations about their past kidnapping operations.
He reaffirmed that the security corp operates legally under state law, unlike the alleged organization run by Bruce.
“They claim to be working with the police, but we have not received any message or calls from the police in Uromi, which shows they lied,” he said.
“There is a law backing the Edo State Security Corp. We are recognized by law, and that of Mr. Bruce is illegal.”
Meanwhile, the rescued victim expressed her gratitude to the Edo State Security Corp for saving her life and urged security agencies to bring her abductors to justice.
One of the arrested suspects, Ekpu, admitted to having participated in kidnapping in the past but claimed he had since abandoned the act.
