Police Arrest Kidnap Suspect, Recover Decomposing Bodies In Edo Forest

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered two decomposing bodies from a forest along the Benin–Lagos Expressway, following a coordinated operation targeting a seven-man kidnapping syndicate operating along major highways in the state.

The operation was carried out by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), which engaged members of the gang in a gun duel inside the forest before tracking down one of the fleeing suspects.

The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Haruna Musa, was later arrested while allegedly seeking treatment for gunshot wounds sustained during the encounter. He reportedly confessed to belonging to the gang and led operatives to the location where the victims were buried.

The Commander of the VCRU, CSP Osagie Godspower, led journalists and health officials to the forest where the bodies were exhumed.

According to police sources, one of the victims, whose mother was among those killed, recounted how the kidnappers invaded their home in Iyowa community, Ekiadolor, abducting her, her mother, and their maid.

She said the victims were later joined by other abductees from three additional families, bringing the total number of captives to four families held in the forest.

“We were kept in the forest and forced to trek at night while they rested during the day,” she said.

She further narrated that after several days in captivity, the kidnappers selected three victims based on age.

“When they asked my mother her age, she said 66. Another woman said 45, and a 15-year-old boy also answered. We thought they would release them, but later they took them away and shot them,” she added.

She explained that her family eventually paid ₦11 million ransom along with other items before she and others were released.

Confirming the operation, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the breakthrough followed earlier engagement with the gang on May 19, when operatives clashed with the suspects in the forest.

“We had a major breakthrough on May 19 when operatives of the VCRU engaged four members of the syndicate in a gun battle. Some escaped with gunshot injuries,” she said.

“Further intelligence led to the arrest of Haruna Musa, who was attempting to seek treatment. He confessed and led us to the location where the bodies were recovered.”

She added that the remains of the 15-year-old victim had earlier been evacuated, while efforts were ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate.

The suspect, Haruna Musa, said he was initially involved in cattle handling work in Ogun State before being recruited into the criminal gang, claiming fear prevented him from leaving.

Police said operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate.