Edo security operatives arrest father, son over alleged kidnapping in Ovia North East

Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) have arrested a father and his son, along with another suspect, over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a farmer in Edo State.

The arrests were made following intensified bush-combing operations in parts of Ovia North East Local Government Area, where the suspects are believed to be part of a gang linked to a wave of kidnappings and violent attacks.

According to the ESSC, the suspects were allegedly operating in areas including Lgue-Ero, Lwu, and Lzakagbon communities.

The Deputy Corps Commander in charge of operations, Richard Balogun, praised the operatives for their swift response and persistence in tracking down the suspects.

He explained that the operation was launched after a farmer was abducted in the area a few days earlier, prompting security teams to comb surrounding bushes in search of the kidnappers.

Balogun said the victim was reportedly in the process of being released after a ransom had been paid when security operatives intensified their search.

Despite the ransom payment, the operatives continued their operation, which eventually led to the arrest of three suspects, including the father and son.

According to him, the victim later identified one of the suspects as the person who shot him while he was in captivity.

“The victim was in the process of being released by his abductors even though ransom was collected. But the security team did not relent as they continued to search for the said armed men,” Balogun said.

He added that the suspects had been handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Balogun assured residents that security operations in the affected communities would continue, in line with the directive of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, as authorities work to clamp down on criminal activity in the region.

Local sources also indicate that the area has witnessed a series of violent incidents in recent times, which residents have linked to the arrested suspects.