The Edo State Police Command has rescued 13 passengers who were kidnapped on Saturday along the busy Benin-Ore Expressway. The victims, who were travelling in a commercial bus, were abducted near Ekhiadolor community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
Gunmen reportedly ambushed the bus, shot the driver, and forced the passengers into the nearby bush. The injured driver was abandoned at the scene but was later taken to a hospital in Benin City, where he is now receiving treatment.
Confirming the development, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, said the rescue operation involved special police teams and modern tracking technology.
“All the kidnapped passengers have been rescued,” CP Agbonika said while addressing journalists in Benin on Monday. “We’ve been working around the clock since the attack happened. We deployed tactical teams, drones, and other surveillance equipment into the forest, and I’m happy to report that everyone is safe.”
He added that the police are still searching for the kidnappers and will not rest until all suspects are arrested and brought to justice.
The passengers were travelling from Benin to the eastern part of the country when their journey was cut short by the attack. Eyewitnesses say the gunmen, believed to be hiding in the forest, suddenly appeared on the road and opened fire at the vehicle.
In the confusion, the driver was shot and the bus skidded to a stop. The attackers then dragged the passengers into the bush before fleeing the scene. Other road users who witnessed the attack raised an alarm and alerted security agents.
The Edo State Police Command quickly launched a large-scale manhunt to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims. According to police sources, the operation involved officers from different units, including the anti-kidnapping squad, the tactical response team, and police operatives from neighbouring divisions.
CP Agbonika explained that advanced equipment, including surveillance drones, was deployed to monitor the thick forest where the victims were believed to have been taken.
“Once we received the report, we acted immediately,” he said. “We had to move fast, using both manpower and technology to comb the entire area. The terrain was challenging, but we remained focused on saving lives.”
Some community leaders around Ekhiadolor also assisted the police by providing useful information and helping to guide the rescue teams through the forest paths.
One local vigilante member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We know these forests better than anyone. We supported the police to ensure the victims were found quickly. Everyone is tired of these attacks. It’s not safe for travellers anymore.”
Residents in the area have raised concerns over the increasing rate of kidnappings on the Benin-Ore Expressway, a major transport route that connects southern and western Nigeria to the eastern part of the country.
According to them, several attacks have occurred in recent months, with gunmen taking advantage of the dense forests on both sides of the road.
Meanwhile, the injured driver who was shot during the attack is recovering in a hospital in Benin. Hospital sources say he is in a stable condition and responding well to treatment. His identity has not been released for security reasons.
Police say the bravery of the driver may have helped buy some time for other road users to report the attack, leading to the timely response.
While the victims are now free and reunited with their families, police say the operation is not over. The search for the kidnappers continues, and patrols have been increased in the area to prevent further attacks.
“We’re not backing down,” CP Agbonika said. “The rescue was successful, but we’re still hunting the criminals. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement.”
The Commissioner also assured travellers that efforts are being made to improve security on highways across the state.
The latest rescue brings hope to a region troubled by rising insecurity, especially kidnappings on major roads. The Edo State Government and security agencies are under pressure to do more to ensure the safety of travellers.
