Police, local vigilantes, hunters rescue abducted 57-year-old woman in Edo

Edo State Police Command and members of the State Security Corps (ESSC), including hunters, have rescued a 57-year-old woman abducted by suspected kidnappers in the State.

The woman identified as Mrs Vivian George was reportedly abducted on May 16, 2026, at about 9:45 am while on the way to the farm with her son at Ottah community, Igbanke in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the State.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem disclosed this to newsmen in a statement on Tuesday, in Benin City.

Ikoedem said the 18-year-old son of the victim identified as Chinedu George who was kidnapped along with the mother reported the incident after escaping from the abductors.

She said the rescue followed a swift and aggressive bush combing operation in the community.

According to her, upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Division immediately mobilised detectives alongside members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters into the forest on a rescue operation. 

“During the operation, the security team encountered the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a gun duel. 

“Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and pressure mounted by the operatives, the suspects fled into the forest with gunshot injuries and abandoned the victim.

“The victim was successfully rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with her family”, she said.

Meanwhile, Monday Agbonika, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command commended the operatives for their bravery and swift response.

Agbonika noted that the coordinated efforts of the operatives and local security teams led to the successful rescue operation.

He reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State. 

He encouraged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations through