Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers struck along the Benin–Auchi Road on Friday, attacking a New Edoline bus and abducting no fewer than 18 passengers, throwing travellers and residents into panic.
Following the attack, the Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 16 passengers who were abducted along the Benin–Auchi Road on Friday evening.
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Spokesperson for the command, Moses Yamu, said the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. when gunmen intercepted vehicles, forcing travellers into the bush.
A viral video from the scene showed an abandoned Edoline bus and a Toyota Corolla, with the narrator claiming about 18 people had been taken. The footage also captured police officers mobilising for a rescue operation as other motorists parked along the road, uncertain whether to proceed.
It was gathered that the Edoline bus passengers were en route to Abuja when the kidnappers struck.
Confirming the incident on Saturday, Yamu disclosed that 16 of the victims have been rescued, though he declined to specify the total number of those abducted.
“The kidnapping took place on Friday at about 16:30 hrs. Sixteen of the victims have been rescued so far, as the search and rescue operation by the command in collaboration with vigilantes and hunters continues,” Yamu said.
Police operatives, alongside local vigilantes and hunters, are continuing the search for any remaining hostages in the kidnappers’ den.
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