Edo State Police Intensify Rescue Operations for Abducted Seminarians

The Edo State Police Command is leading a rescue operation to save three seminarians who were abducted on July 11 during an armed attack on Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Etsako East Local Government. The attack, which also resulted in the death of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps officer, has left the community on edge. The police have deployed tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and established a tactical division in the Ivieukwa community to strengthen security and technical intelligence in the area. The command is working with security experts and sister agencies to deploy advanced technical intelligence and coordinated operations to rescue the victims.

Key Takeaways:

• The police have deployed operative tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, to rescue the abducted seminarians.
• A tactical division has been established in the Ivieukwa community to strengthen security and technical intelligence in the area.
• The Edo State Police Command is working with security experts and sister agencies to deploy advanced technical intelligence and coordinated operations to rescue the victims.
• The abduction of the seminarians is one of the recent instances of crimes in Edo State, where abduction for ransom, cult-related attacks, and killings are prevalent.
• The state loses over $1 billion worth of investments annually due to cult-related violence, according to the current governor, Monday Okpebholo.
• In November last year, the police said that the spate of cult violence and the proliferation of arms in the state were worrisome.
• The state had lost 150 people in five months to cult-related clashes, according to the former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
• The police are leaving no stone unturned in their resolve to bring the seminarians back, assuring the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, parents, guardians, and the general public.

Statistics:

• 11 July: Date the seminarians were abducted
• 150: Number of people lost to cult-related clashes in five months
• $1 billion: Estimated value of investments lost annually due to cult-related violence
• 3: Number of seminarians abducted on July 11
• 1: Number of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps officer killed in the attack

Sources:

• The News Agency of Nigeria (July 11, 2022)
• Edo State Police Command, statement by Moses Yamu, chief superintendent of police (July 11, 2022)
• The Guardian Nigeria News (November 2021)
• Punch Nigeria News (June 2021)