Security operatives in Edo State have rescued a 12-year-old girl, identified as Blessing Anani, who was abducted by gunmen in the Ayogwiri community of Etsako West Local Government Area. The rescue operation was carried out by the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes.

According to ESSC Deputy Corps Commander (Operations), Richard Balogun, the girl was kidnapped on October 10, 2025, while returning from the farm with her mother and other women. The abductors had initially demanded a ₦5 million ransom for her release.

Balogun revealed that the joint security team tracked the kidnappers to a forest in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area, where they successfully rescued the girl unhurt and arrested one of the suspects.

“Shortly after the abduction, the vigilantes mobilized for bush combing. We later got intelligence that the victim had been relocated to a forest in Agenebode, where the kidnappers planned to ferry her across the River Niger to Idah in Kogi State,” Balogun explained.

He added that the security team acted swiftly on the intelligence, stormed the hideout, and freed the young girl before the abductors could move her out of Edo State.

During interrogation, the arrested suspect reportedly confessed that the group had been hired by an informant in Ayogwiri to kidnap a wealthy man in the area. When that attempt failed, they resorted to abducting the 12-year-old girl instead.

Meanwhile, Balogun also confirmed that the ESSC rescued another housewife who was kidnapped from her farm in Amedokhian, Uromi, in Esan North East Local Government Area. The woman was rescued unhurt before any ransom could be paid.

Balogun commended the efforts of the vigilantes, hunters, and residents who provided timely intelligence, reaffirming the Edo State Government’s commitment to community policing and safety across all local councils.