Security Forces Rescue AAU Students, Seven Plateau Travellers

Security operatives have rescued three Ambrose Alli University students abducted in Edo State, while troops in Plateau State freed seven travellers kidnapped along the Riyom highway.

The Edo rescue followed a gun battle in Erah Forest in the early hours of July 14. Police said one suspected kidnapper was killed, another was arrested with gunshot injuries, and the students were taken for medical checks after their release.

The rescued AAU students were identified as Favour Okoroje, 21; Balogun Precious, 19; and Praise Obagbalu, 18. Police said the three were abducted on July 12 at Ujemen G.T. Extension in Ekpoma after armed men attacked the area.

Peter Ekpen Adolor, a 24-year-old 300-level AAU student, was shot during the attack and later confirmed dead at a hospital in Ekpoma. The Edo State Police Command said its tactical teams worked with the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps and local hunters during the rescue operation.

Police also said officers recovered three AK-47 rifles, magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a Red Cross bag and a charger from the scene.

In Plateau, troops under Operation Enduring Peace rescued an Assistant Superintendent of Police and six other travellers abducted around Sopp village in Riyom Local Government Area.

The victims were travelling from Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Jos when gunmen intercepted their vehicle. Troops responding to a distress call found an abandoned Opel Vectra, searched the surrounding bush and engaged the kidnappers before the victims were freed unharmed.

The rescued Plateau victims were named as ASP Babagida Ishaku, Auwulu Haruna, Dung Jerry Dang, Anas Idris, Hussaini Mohammed, Idris Abdullahi and Mrs Kangyang Sunday.

Sources: Daily Trust, Channels TV, Daily Post