The Edo State Police Command has rescued the abducted traditional ruler of Udo-Eguare kingdom, His Royal Highness Friday Ehizojie, after four days in captivity.
DAILY POST reports that the traditional ruler was abducted along with five others by kidnappers on February 3, 2025, while riding as a passenger on a motorcycle along a lonely path leading to the community.
The abductees were ambushed by unknown persons, and in the process the Okada rider was shot dead before the Onogie was abducted while one of the victims was freed.
Confirming the rescue of the traditional ruler, in a statement on Saturday, February 8, 2025, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Moses Yamu said the monarch was rescued after four days in captivity.
Yamu attributed the successful rescue to the logistics support rendered by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
He said the Command also appreciated vigilantes, hunters and other well-meaning residents of the state for their support
Parts of the statement read, “The Edo State Police Command is pleased to inform the general public that the sustained search and rescue operations have yielded positive results.
“The Commissioner of Police Edo State Command, Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, has today 07/02/2024 at about 1800hrs kept her vow with the rescue of the Onogie of Udo-Eguare community who was earlier kidnapped on the 03/02/2025.
“The Command appreciates the Government of Edo State and attributed this success to the logistic support rendered by the Executive Governor of Edo State, HE Sen. Monday Okpebholo towards this operation.
“The Command equally appreciates the vigilantes, hunters and other well-meaning residents of the State for their support so far.
“The general public is assured that the Command’s commitment to the fight against crime remains unshaken.”
DAILY POST recalls that the Command had on February 3, 2025, announced the deployment of tactical teams and Police Mobile Force to rescue the kidnapped Onogie.
Police rescue abducted Edo traditional ruler after four days in captivity