The Edo State Coordinator, Edo State Security Vigilante Network, Col. Kole Oshoriamhe Omomia (Rtd), has confirmed an assault on kidnappers who engage in abduction for ransom who are now fleeing with gunshot wounds in Ekperi in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
In an interview, Sampson Asaghiemhe, Etsako Central general commander of the Vigilante Network at Fugar, stated that his team were alerted on 7th September, 2022 of the kidnapping incident which took place in Etsako West local government area and had his men set up a blockade in attempt to apprehend the suspects.
But since tracking of the kidnapper’s devices indicated that the kidnappers were at Ekperi, he promptly alerted Udoko Michael, the unit commander of the vigilante network in Ekperi who alongside his men swung into action mounting surveillance in Ekperi.
At 2300 hours on September 9, 2022, luck ran out of the kidnappers as Udoko and his men were at their exit points. A fierce gun battle ensued with the suspected kidnappers at Ekperi bridge where some of the kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries but fled.
However, four phones including two Techno, one Itel, one Max phone were recovered as well as one First Bank ATM card which have been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Fugar division, Etsako Central LGA.
On his part, State Coordinator, Edo State Security Vigilante Network, Col. Kole Oshoriamhe Omomia (Rtd), said the kidnap victim had been released but operatives of the outfit are still combing the forests in Ekperi in a bid to arrest the fleeing suspects. He also thanked the State Governor, His Excellency, Mr Godwin Obaseki for providing the security outfit vehicles including motorcycles which he said have greatly aided their ability to navigate the forests to rid the State of criminal elements.