JUST IN: Gunmen Kidnap 18 Passengers in Abuja-Bound Bus

Eighteen passengers travelling in an Abuja-bound bus were kidnapped on Friday along the Benin-Auchi Highway in Edo State.

The victims were aboard an 18-seater bus operated by Edo Line, a newly launched state-owned transport service, when gunmen intercepted the vehicle and forced the passengers into the bush.

Motorists who witnessed the attack raised alarm, leading to a temporary standstill on the busy expressway. A viral video from the scene showed a long queue of vehicles parked on both sides of the highway, with many travelers stranded in fear.

Security operatives, including officers of the Nigerian Police, later arrived at the scene to restore order. However, the abductors had already escaped with the passengers.

As of the time of this report, police authorities confirmed the incident but said the kidnappers had yet to make contact or demand ransom. Security patrols have since been intensified in the area as efforts to rescue the victims continue.