The Edo Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered a decomposed body of one of three women abducted during a violent attack on a residence in Iyowa Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the state.
The breakthrough came weeks after armed kidnappers invaded the community on May 9, 2026, abducting Mrs. Favour Nosakhare, 66, Mrs. Emmanuel Annabel Osasere, 28, and Miss Rejoice Otikpere, 26, before whisking them into a nearby forest.
According to a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the incident sparked widespread concern after the kidnappers reportedly contacted members of the victims’ families through a video call in which the women were seen being flogged and tortured while ransom demands were made.
The disturbing footage heightened fears among residents and prompted intensified rescue operations by security agencies.
Police said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in collaboration with the Police Drone Unit, deployed tactical and technological resources in sustained operations and aerial surveillance across forests and criminal hideouts within Ovia North-East and surrounding communities.
The operation reportedly recorded a major breakthrough on May 19 when operatives traced members of the kidnapping gang to a location along a powerline route inside a forest.
The suspects allegedly opened fire on the operatives, leading to a fierce gun battle.
However, police said the kidnappers were overwhelmed by superior firepower and escaped into the bush with suspected gunshot injuries.
Security operatives recovered a blood-soaked jacket and expended AK-47 ammunition from the scene, while surveillance and intelligence efforts were further intensified.
The investigation later led to the arrest of one Musa Haruna, 23, who was found with a gunshot injury.
Police identified him as a member of a notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate allegedly responsible for criminal activities along the Benin-Lagos Road and Old Benin-Akure Road corridors.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in the crime and led investigators into a thick forest at Ogwa Community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area. The operation resulted in the recovery of two decomposing bodies on June 2.
Police said one of the bodies was identified by family members as Mrs. Favour Nosakhare, one of the women abducted during the May 9 incident.
Authorities have yet to disclose the identity of the second body, while the whereabouts and condition of the remaining abducted victims were not immediately stated.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit and Police Drone Unit for what he described as their professionalism, resilience and commitment to duty.
He assured citizens that tactical and intelligence-driven operations had been intensified to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate still at large.
The police commissioner also appealed to members of the public to support security agencies with credible and timely information capable of aiding investigations.
