Three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers during a deadly attack in Edo State, have regained their freedom following a joint security operation that led to a gunfight with their captors inside a forest hideout.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Tuesday by a combined team of police operatives, soldiers, the Edo State Security Corps and local hunters, also resulted in the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, ammunition and other items allegedly belonging to the criminal gang.
However, the rescue came after a tragic incident in which a 300-level AAU student, Peter Ekpen Adolor, was shot dead when the attackers stormed the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area on Sunday night.
The rescued students were identified as 18-year-old Praise Obagbalu, 21-year-old Favour Okoroje, and 19-year-oldBalogun Precious.
Addressing journalists at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ekpoma on Tuesday, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said the command launched an intelligence-driven rescue mission immediately after receiving reports of the abduction.
