By EMMANUEL JIMOH, Benin –
A heartbreaking incident occurred on Friday evening along the Fugar-Agenebode road in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to the Police Command in Edo, a 12-year-old girl lost her life during a gunfire exchange between security operatives and fleeing kidnappers.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, revealed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Saturday in Benin.
CSP Yamu said ghe armed men suspected to be kidnappers had ambushed commuters and blocked the highway at around 7:20 p.m.
He said two people were killed on the spot, while several others were abducted and taken into the forest.
According to him, a rescue operation was swiftly launched by police operatives from Agenebode, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters.
He said during the operation, 14 kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued alive.
However, the young girl was fatally shot during the crossfire.
“Unfortunately, a 12-year-old girl was fatally shot by the fleeing kidnappers during the crossfire,” CSP Yamu stated.
“One female victim is still unaccounted for, and search efforts are ongoing to ensure her safe rescue.”
Edo Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the bravery of the joint security operatives, saying, “The command extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the general public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice is served.”
