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Operatives of the Edo State Police Command, in collaboration with the military and vigilantes, on Wednesday, rescued 20 kidnapped victims out of the 41 that were abducted on March 18 in the state.

A resident said that the kidnapped victims were led into the bush along Lakpese Road, the Akoko-Edo Local Government of the state.

He noted that the armed men emerged from the bush, accosted the passengers’ vehicles at gunpoint, and took them into the bush.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the rescue and said bush combing was still ongoing to free the remaining victims.

He said, “On March 18, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ibilo Division received information that hoodlums suspected to be herdsmen emerged from the bush along Lakpese along Ogorimagogo Road, accosted four Toyota Hiace buses, kidnaped the occupants and led them into the bush.

“The police operatives, in collaboration with the military personnel and vigilantes, immediately moved to the scene, embarked on vigorous bush combing, and rescued 20 passengers at once.

“Efforts are still ongoing to rescue 21 other passengers that are still in captivity as the security team is still combing the bush.”