The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of nine kidnapping victims from two separate incidents across the state, including passengers of a GUO Transport Company bus.
In a statement released on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said five victims were rescued following the attack on a GUO bus along the Benin-Lagos Expressway.
“The Edo State Police Command is pleased to inform the general public that all five victims abducted during the recent kidnapping incident along the Benin–Lagos Expressway have been successfully rescued alive.
“This breakthrough was achieved following the immediate and massive deployment of tactical teams, intelligence assets, aerial surveillance, and other operational resources by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, to the affected corridor.
“The sustained rescue efforts, coordinated bush-combing operations, and strategic dominance of the area exerted pressure on the kidnappers, ultimately leading to the safe rescue of all five victims. They have since received medical evaluation and treatment, and reunited with their families.”
The command also confirmed the rescue of four additional victims who had been held captive in the Imiegba forest in Agenebode, Edo North.
“They have likewise received medical attention and are safe, making a total of nine kidnapped victims rescued.”
Police authorities said security has been significantly reinforced along the expressway and surrounding communities, with tactical and intelligence operations intensified across the axis.
They added that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible. “We are confident that all those involved will be tracked down and brought to justice in the shortest possible time,” the statement said.
The incident comes days after gunmen reportedly attacked a bus travelling from Lagos to the eastern part of the country, killing the driver and abducting passengers after forcing the vehicle to stop.
