Otamere Gladness 
BENIN CITY, Nigeria – Edo State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered the decomposing body of one of three women abducted by a notorious kidnapping gang operating in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
The breakthrough followed weeks of intelligence-led operations involving tactical units and drone surveillance across forests in the area.
According to a statement on Wednesday, the victims — Mrs Favour Nosakhare, Mrs Emmanuel Annabel Osasere and Miss Rejoice Otikpere — were abducted from their residence in Iyowa Community on 9 May.
The kidnappers later circulated a disturbing video showing the women being assaulted while demanding ransom.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit launched coordinated rescue operations and tracked the suspects into remote forest locations.
On 19 May, security operatives engaged the gang in a gun battle along a power line route, forcing the suspects to flee with gunshot wounds.
Investigators later arrested Musa Haruna, 23, who allegedly confessed to belonging to a kidnapping syndicate notorious for attacks along the Benin-Lagos and Old Benin-Akure highways.
The suspect subsequently led officers to a forest in Ogwa Community.
On Tuesday, police recovered two decomposing bodies from the area.
One of the bodies was identified by relatives as Mrs. Favour Nosakhare.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens until all gang members are arrested,” Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika said.
Police said search operations are continuing to locate the remaining victims and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
