Men of the Edo State Police Command on Thursday said they have rescued two out of the 12 passengers recently kidnapped in the state.
Twelve passengers were reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday on the Afuze-Auchi Road close to the Ihevbe Community in the Owan East Local Government of the state.
The kidnapped passengers were said to be travelling to Auchi when the gunmen emerged from the bush, forced their vehicle to a halt and led them into the bush.
A source told Niger Delta Herald Metro that the kidnappers, who were heavily armed, had been terrorising the area, urging the police and other security agencies to come to the aid of the residents and road users.
“The kidnappers have been terrorising the people of that area and frequent users of that road. The road is also bad which could aid the nefarious activities of these gunmen.
“The recent kidnap has become one too many and hopefully respite will come our way soon,” he added.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, who confirmed the incident, said two of the kidnapped victims have been rescued by the police.
The police command is aware of the kidnapping. Two of the victims have been rescued by the police, but we can’t ascertain the number of persons kidnapped. The rescued victims are receiving treatment at the hospital,” he said.
Nwabuzor said policemen were still combing the bush to rescue other victims and arrest the perpetrators.