A Vigilante member, identified as Ijeh Moses, was killed during a rescue operation on Ugbekpe-Agenebode road in Etsako Central Local Council of Edo State.

Moses succumbed to injuries sustained in a gun battle with kidnappers while helping to rescue seven abducted individuals.

The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident in a statement yesterday. Yamu said one of the victims sustained injuries during the operation but is responding to treatment.

According to Yamu, the rescue mission involved operatives from the Agenebode Divisional Police Headquarters, Operation Rescue Teams, and local vigilantes and hunters.

The victims included two individuals abducted on April 19, 2025, along Udoneria-Ewatto road; four others kidnapped on April 20, 2025, on an earth road near Udoeguare community; and one person abducted on Ugbekpe-Agenebode road. The last victim was rescued on April 21, 2025.

Yamu revealed that some kidnappers escaped with gunshot wounds, as bloodstains were found along their escape route.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, reiterated the Command’s commitment to eradicating kidnapping and similar crimes in the state.