The President of the Igueben Area Customary Court, Precious Aigbonoga, who was kidnapped on her way to work on Monday, has been rescued. Our correspondent gathered that the rescue operation was carried out on Thursday by soldiers and policemen, who stormed the forest where she was held. She, however, suffered gunshot wounds, while a policeman lost his life in the operation.
She was rescued in the early hours of Thursday by a combined team of military operatives and police special anti-kidnapping squad attached to the police headquarters in Benin City, at a place called scorpion heel, inside the forest where she was held captive.
Announcement of her rescue was made known in a statement signed by Chief Nosa Francis Edo-Osagie and Festus Osagie Usiobaifo Esq; Chairman and Publicity Secretary of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, respectively
According to the statement, “His Honour was rescued unhurt in the early hours of today, 12th day of January 2022, following an attack launched against the kidnappers…
“It was gathered that in the process of rescuing the victim, there was an exchange of heavy gunfire between the police and the bandits which led to one of the gallant police officers paying the ultimate price.”
Mrs Aigbonoga was reportedly shot by the kidnappers and is receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
A source close to the family confirmed that Aigbonoga was at an undisclosed hospital receiving treatment for gunshot injuries. The source said, “She has reunited with her family. She was shot by the kidnappers.”
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, who confirmed the rescue of the court president, said the police lost an officer in the operation.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association, Benin branch, commended security agencies for the operation.
In a press statement, the Publicity Secretary of the association, Festus Usiobaifo, expressed sadness that a policeman lost his life in the incident. The NBA team while appreciating the police for its prompt intervention in the rescue of the victim, also commiserated with the Edo state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Adamu Dankwara, on the loss of his gallant officer, even as he prayed to God Almighty to grant the family of the slain officer the fortitude to bear the loss.
They expressed appreciation to Nigerians, especially members of the Benin Bar for standing by the family of Mrs Precious Aigbonoga during her time in captivity.