Edo Police Deploy Special Units After Cattle Dealer Kidnapping on Expressway

Authorities in the Edo State Police Command have launched a full-scale rescue operation following the reported abduction of a male livestock trader along the Igarra-Auchi major road.

The incident, which occurred on July 7, 2026, around 6:30 p.m., prompted police action after a distress call indicated gunshots were heard near the Geo-Work Factory on the Igarra-Auchi Expressway. Upon receiving the urgent report, the Command immediately dispatched officers to the scene of the incident.

Initial investigations have identified the victim as Oga Peter, a cattle dealer hailing from the Ososo Community. He was reportedly seized by armed individuals who were observed wearing military camouflage.

In response to this development, Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, has since ordered a rigorous manhunt for the perpetrators. He has deployed specialist units from the state headquarters, including the anti-kidnapping unit, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), and the Drone Unit, to Igarra as reinforcements. These units are working in concert with the Nigerian Army, members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters, with the primary objective of ensuring the safe return of the victim and the arrest of those responsible.

CP Agbonika has reassured the public of the Command's commitment to bringing the culprits to justice. He urged residents with any relevant information to contact their nearest Police Station or utilize the provided Command emergency numbers.