Police launch rescue operation as gunmen kill driver, abduct passengers in Edo

Gunmen have attacked a commercial bus along the Lagos-Benin Expressway in Edo State, killing the driver and abducting passengers.

The incident was disclosed in a statement shared on April 20, 2026 on the official X page of the Edo State Police Command.

According to the statement, the attack occurred on April 18 at about 6:00 pm along the Iguobazuwa axis of the Ore-Benin road.

The police said the vehicle, belonging to GUO Transport Company, was conveying five passengers when it was ambushed by suspected kidnappers.

During the attack, the driver was shot and later confirmed dead.

“One female passenger who sustained gunshot injuries was rescued and rushed to the hospital, where she is responding to treatment,” the statement said.

The command added that three other passengers were abducted and taken into a nearby forest by the attackers.

It was further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in Edo State Monday Agbonika, ordered a coordinated rescue operation across the Ore-Benin axis.

The statement noted that tactical teams, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit have been deployed to the area, with support from local hunters and vigilantes.

It added that security personnel are currently combing surrounding forests to secure the release of the victims and apprehend those responsible.

The police also confirmed that the vehicle involved in the attack has been recovered, while the remains of the deceased driver have been deposited at a hospital mortuary.

The command assured residents of its commitment to rescuing the victims and urged members of the public to provide useful information to support ongoing operations.