The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of all 13 passengers who were abducted during an attack on a commercial bus along the Benin–Lagos Road recently.
The incident reportedly occurred near Ogua Community when armed kidnappers intercepted the vehicle carrying passengers from Akwa Ibom State to Lagos.
During the attack, a female passenger was shot before the assailants forced the victims into a nearby forest and fled the scene.
Police authorities said rescue efforts began immediately after the incident was reported. Initial operations involving bush combing and coordinated search teams led to the rescue of five passengers, including two adults and three children, while security operatives continued tracking the kidnappers.
According to the command, additional tactical operations involving drone surveillance, intelligence gathering, and aerial monitoring later resulted in a gun battle between police operatives and the abductors.
Following the exchange, two more victims were rescued safely.
In a statement issued on May 23, police spokesperson ASP Eno Ikoedem confirmed that the remaining six passengers had also been rescued unharmed, bringing the total number of rescued victims to 13.
Reacting to the development, Commissioner of Police CP Monday Agbonika praised the officers involved in the operation for their bravery and persistence. He also assured residents that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible for the attack.
Similar attacks have previously been reported along the Benin–Ore and Abuja–Kaduna highways, where travellers have faced abductions and armed robberies despite increased security patrols.
Authorities have continued to deploy surveillance technology and tactical units in response to the rising threat posed by criminal gangs operating along interstate roads.
