Police: Baby rescued, 3 gunmen killed during clash with kidnappers in Edo

The Edo police command says its operatives have rescued a baby from “kidnappers” in Uhunmwonde LGA of the state.

Jennifer Iwegbu, police spokesperson in the state, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday.

Iwegbu said the incident occurred on Tuesday in Achigbor community, along Benin-Auchi road in Uhunmwonde LGA of the state.

“In its continuous bid to tackle kidnappings headlong, the Edo State Police Command has neutralised three kidnappers,” the statement reads.

“Distress was raised by distraught residents of Achigbor Community along Benin-Auchi road, in Uhunmwonde LGA of Edo State at about 1930hrs on 13/09/2022.

“The Police Operatives on pin-down along that axis immediately mobilised and moved to the scene, where they came to an empty compound that had been vandalised and one Elizabeth Ojo, ‘F’, 42yrs, screaming that her baby had been taken.

“On enquiry, she said some hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers vandalised her property and whisked her baby of 1 yr 1 month away into the bush.

“The Operatives immediately moved into the bush, for possible rescue of the baby. The kidnappers, on sighting the Operatives, threw the baby into the bush and opened fire on them. In the firefight with the Police operatives, 3 of the 6 kidnappers succumbed to our superior firepower.

“The other three are still on the run, while further bush combing of that general area is still ongoing. The baby was rescued unhurt and has been handed over to the mother.

“The following items were recovered at the scene; one cut-to-size double barrel gun, one cutlass, one battle axe.”

She added that Abutu Yaro, Edo police commissioner, commended the security operatives for their efforts and urged residents to be vigilant.