Police rescue kidnapped AAU students, kill suspect

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were kidnapped by gunmen in Esan West Local Government Area of the State.

The students were abducted on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during an attack in the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma.

One student, Peter Ekpen Adolor, a 24-year-old 300-level undergraduate, was killed during the attack.

The rescued students were identified as Praise Obagbalu, 18; Favour Okoroje, 21; and Balogun Precious, 19.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, disclosed the development on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekpoma.

Represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, the commissioner said the command received a distress report that armed men suspected to be kidnappers had attacked the area and abducted the students.

She said the commissioner immediately ordered the deployment of tactical teams for a joint rescue operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps and local hunters.

According to the police, the rescue operation was carried out on Tuesday at the kidnappers’ hideout in Erah Forest, where security operatives engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle.

One of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, while another was arrested with gunshot injuries. The three abducted students were rescued unharmed.

The police said the operation led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a charger, a Red Cross bag and other incriminating items.

The CP stated, “On Sunday, 12th July, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer of the Iruekpen Division received a distress report that armed men suspected to be kidnappers carried out an attack at Ujemen G.T. Extension, Ekpoma.

“According to findings, following a distress scream outside a hostel gate in Ekpoma, one Peter Ekpen Adolor, a 24-year-old 300-level student of Ambrose Alli University, attempted to open the gate to ascertain the situation.

“In the process, he was shot in the abdomen by one of the armed assailants. He was rushed to Eguaven Hospital, Ekpoma, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

“The attackers also abducted three persons, all students of Ambrose Alli University, before escaping into the nearby bush.