Gunmen Abduct 18 Passengers on Benin–Akure Highway in Edo State

Gunmen have abducted about 18 passengers along the Benin–Akure highway near Obarenren village in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The incident occurred last Saturday when armed men reportedly opened sporadic gunfire to stop an 18-seater Big Joe bus before forcefully taking the passengers into the bush.

The spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the abduction and said a joint security operation involving the police and the Nigerian Army was immediately launched to track down the perpetrators.

According to her, intensive bush combing by security operatives has so far led to the rescue of 11 of the kidnapped passengers, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims.

Ikoedem added that no arrests have been made yet, but security agencies remain committed to rescuing all those still in captivity and bringing the abductors to justice.