Edo police rescue Italian, kill three suspected kidnappers

The Edo State Police Command said Monday its men killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued 64-year-old Rev. Fr. Luigi Brena, an Italian, who was abducted along Ogunwenyi, Usen community in Ovia South-West Local call Government Area.

In a statement from State Command Police Deputy Public Relations Officer ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, the suspects were killed when they engaged police in a gun battle during the rescue operation.

The statement read: "Operatives of the Edo State Police Command, assigned to the Iguobazuwa Division, received information at around 5:45 p.m. on July 3, 2022, that Rev. Fr. Luigi Brena 'M', 64 years old, an Italian from of the Somascan Father's Community, was kidnapped by suspected kidnappers along the Ogunwenyi through the Usen community in Ovia South-West LGA.

"Upon receiving the information, the police officers immediately took action and tracked the suspected kidnappers to their camp in the forest.

"When the suspects saw the agents, they opened fire on them, but with superior firepower, the police agents neutralized three of the kidnappers, while the rest escaped with various gunshot wounds, leaving their victim behind.

“The Reverend Father was immediately taken to Igbinedion Teaching Hospital, Okada, for medical treatment. Meanwhile, intensive bush combing is being carried out to apprehend the suspected kidnappers who are now on the run,” the statement added.

Edo State Command Police Commissioner CP Abutu Yaro urged the good people of Edo to continue working with the command by giving it quick and useful information that would lead to the arrest of criminals terrorizing the state.

Source