Tragedy as 12-Year-Old Girl Killed During Shootout Between Police and Kidnappers in Edo

 A 12-year-old girl has been confirmed dead following a gun battle between security operatives and suspected kidnappers in Edo State, in an operation that otherwise led to the rescue of 14 abducted victims.

 

The tragic incident occurred on Friday, 11 July 2025, along the Fugar-Agenebode Road in Etsako East Local Government Area, when gunmen suspected to be kidnappers ambushed a commercial vehicle and abducted several passengers.

 

Spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, SP Moses Yamu, in a statement issued on Saturday, said the young girl was fatally hit by bullets fired by the fleeing kidnappers during the exchange of gunfire.

 

He revealed that a combined security team comprising police operatives from Agenebode Division, local vigilante groups, and hunters had been swiftly mobilised after a distress call was received at about 7:20 pm. The team trailed the attackers into the forest, leading to a shootout near Obe Hill along the pipeline route to Ajaokuta.

 

“During the encounter, a gun duel ensued along Obe Hill by pipeline leading to Ajaokuta. The security team successfully rescued fourteen kidnapped passengers alive. Unfortunately, a 12-year-old girl was fatally shot by the fleeing kidnappers during the crossfire,” Yamu said.

 

He added that one female victim remains missing as of press time, with intensive search operations ongoing to secure her safe return.

 

Yamu also confirmed that two persons were killed earlier during the ambush by the kidnappers, who opened fire indiscriminately on unsuspecting commuters before fleeing with their captives.

 

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the bravery and swift intervention of the rescue team. He assured the public that the Command remains fully committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

 

“We mourn the loss of the innocent child and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family. We want to reassure residents that additional deployments have been made to bolster security in the area, and all efforts are being made to track down and arrest those responsible for this heinous crime,” Agbonika said.

 

The CP urged communities to remain vigilant and continue collaborating with law enforcement to rid the state of criminal elements.