Troops rescue four kidnap victims, one driver still missing in Edo
By: Zagazola Makama
The troops of the Nigerian army in a joint security operation rescue four kidnapping victims on April 26, 2025, after a gunfire exchange with suspected kidnappers in the Sasaro Forested Hills along the Igarra/Auchi Highway in Edo state.
Zagazola Makama was informed that the rescue operation, was triggered when gunshots were heard near their observation point at around 17:30hrs.
The team responded by taking cover and using tear gas to disperse the kidnappers. As the operation intensified, the kidnappers fled into the Sasaro Forest, abandoning four victims in an ash-colored Lexus Jeep with registration number ABJ.270 BP KUJ.
The rescued victims Saiki Omeme Beauty, Efe Valentine, Precious Okosime, and Ebenezer Okosime were safely taken to the station and later reunited with their families.
Additionally, the kidnappers abandoned 15 cows, which were used to block the highway. These cows have been handed over to a Fulani cattle rearer for safekeeping.
However, the driver of the Lexus Jeep, Valentine Okosime, remains missing, and is suspected to have been abducted during the incident. A search and rescue operation is currently underway in Sasaro Forest to locate the driver and apprehend the kidnappers.
