The Commissioner of Police in Edo state, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams, including operatives from the anti-kidnapping and intelligence units, to apprehend abductors of three Catholic seminarians and rescue the victims unhurt.
Agbonika who disclosed that the tactical teams will work in synergy with other security agencies and vigilantes, also reinforced the command’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the state police spokesman, CSP. Moses Yamu.
Blueprint recalls that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers, Thursday, attacked Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School at Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, in Etsako East local government area of Edo state.
The hoodlums killed a Civil Defense Corps and took away three students of the school to an unknown destination.
However, the police spokesman disclosed in the statement that CP Monday Agbonika visited the scene after the unfortunate incident to assess the situation firsthand.
He noted that the police boss commiserated with the affected community, and reiterated the Command’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Yamu quoted the CP as saying, “this senseless act of violence against a religious institution and innocent young students is not only barbaric, but also a direct assault on public peace and security.
“The Command commiserates with the family of the fallen NSCDC officer, the NSCDC leadership, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, and the families of the abducted students during this difficult time.
“We assure the public that this Command is fully committed to the protection of lives and property. We will not relent until those behind this reprehensible act are tracked down and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
The statement added that the CP called on members of the public to remain calm and support the ongoing operations with timely and credible information that can aid investigations.