The Edo State Police Command has launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation following a deadly armed attack on a commercial bus along the Lagos–Benin Expressway, which left the driver dead and several passengers abducted.
Police authorities confirmed that tactical teams, anti-kidnapping operatives, vigilantes, and local hunters have been deployed to forests around the Ore–Benin axis in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers.
The Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said a large-scale operation has been ordered across affected routes and surrounding forest areas.
Ikoedem stated that the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Agbonika, has directed immediate and coordinated action across the state.
“Area Commanders have been directed to lead intensified search operations within their jurisdictions,” he said.
He added that reinforcements had been deployed to support ongoing efforts.
“Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit from the State Headquarters have also been deployed to reinforce the ongoing operation,” Ikoedem said.
According to him, tactical units are currently combing nearby forests in collaboration with local security networks.
“Police tactical teams, working in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups, are combing the forests to secure the release of the victims and apprehend those responsible,” the statement added.
Preliminary findings revealed that the attackers ambushed the commercial bus along the Iguobazuwa axis of the highway, opening fire on the vehicle during the assault.
The driver was fatally shot on the spot, while passengers were forced into panic as the gunmen took control of the situation.
Police confirmed that five passengers were on board at the time of the attack.
“A female passenger who sustained gunshot injuries was rescued by responding officers and taken to a hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment and said to be in stable condition,” the spokesperson said.
Authorities also confirmed that three passengers were abducted and taken into a nearby forest.
“The Command confirmed that three other passengers were abducted and taken into a nearby forest by the assailants,” Ikoedem added.
A video of the incident has since circulated widely on social media, showing the aftermath of the attack with a voice narration describing how the gunmen ambushed the vehicle, killed the driver, and dragged passengers into the bush.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage online, with Nigerians calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the kidnapped victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Police, however, assured residents that efforts are ongoing and that no stone will be left unturned in securing the safe return of the abducted passengers.
