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Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued a kidnap victim, Osazee Okungbowa, who was abducted at the Power line area, Owanoba Community, in the outskirts of Benin on Friday.
The state command Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, who revealed this in a statement on Sunday, said Okungbowa had been reunited with his family after receiving medical treatment.
He noted that efforts were on to apprehend the culprits and bring them to book.
He said, “On 08/02/2025 at about 17:00hrs, operatives of the Ologbo Division successfully rescued one Osazee Okungbowa from the grip of his abductors.
“The victim was on 07/02/2025 at about 21:45hrs kidnapped in the presence of his family at his residence at the Power line area of Owanoba Community by armed men numbering five.
“He has been reunited with his family after receiving medical attention, while the command continues with the trail of the suspects.”
Also, one Kelly Osayawe, a suspected cultist, has been arrested for attempted murder. He was shooting into the air at a burial when the pallet from his gun hit one Cletus Nzube, who was standing in front of his store.
“On February 7, 2025, at about 10:00hrs along Old Road, Aduwawa, Benin City, one Kelly Osayawe, male, aged 25 years, a member of the Vikings cult group, was invited by his friend named Nice, also a member of Vikings cult group to his mother’s burial at the Old Road off College Road Aduwawa, Benin City.
“During the burial procession, Osayawe who is armed with a locally-made cut-to-size pistol loaded with four live cartridges while firing shots into the air, shot one Cletus Nzube who was standing in front of his shop and the pellet caused him injury on his hand, leg and back.
“Osayawe made an attempt to flee the scene but was chased and apprehended with the assistance of members of the public.”
The statement further said the police recovered a stolen car after the snatchers abandoned the vehicle to evade arrest by operatives who were chasing them.
The statement added, “A distress call was received on 06/02/2025 at about 14:00hrs that a Silver coloured Toyota Yaris with reg no BEN 535 DR was snatched at gunpoint from its owner at Upper Mission Extension.
“Operatives of the Okuaihe Division intercepted and chased after the car snatchers, who eventually abandoned the car at the Iguomon Community along the Benin-Agbor Road.
“The vehicle was taken to the station, the owner was identified and the vehicle was handed over to him. Efforts to identify and arrest the suspects is ongoing.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, while appreciating the good people of the state for their support, urged the public to “see something, say something” for a safer Edo State.
