A suspected kidnapper, Muhammed Abubakar, believed to be from Kwara State, has been arrested in a community near Ologbo in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
The spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident, stating that the suspect was apprehended after a failed attempt to abduct residents of a house in the area.
Ikoedem disclosed that the suspect has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Unit of the Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
She explained that the suspect, alongside heavily armed accomplices, reportedly invaded a residential building in the early hours of the morning, around 6 a.m., with the intention of kidnapping its occupants.
According to her, the attackers fired sporadic gunshots upon arrival to intimidate residents and attempted to force open the building’s iron door before a distress call was made to security operatives, who quickly responded.
“The suspected kidnappers, on sighting the police, took to their heels and escaped into the bush, but Muhammed was arrested during bush combing while others escaped,” she said.
The police spokesperson added that the State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has directed all Divisional Police Officers and tactical units to remain vigilant in tackling criminal activities across the state.
The suspect reportedly confessed during interrogation, claiming to be a herder from Kwara State who came to Edo State specifically to engage in kidnapping.