Rescue operation begins after deadly Edo deadly attack

The Edo State Police Command has launched a rescue operation following an attack by suspected kidnappers on a commercial bus conveying travellers on Sunday along the Benin–Ore axis of the Lagos Expressway.

NGGOSSIPS Metro learnt from the command that a woman who sustained gunshot injuries during the attack has been rescued.

In a statement on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said the victim was taken to an undisclosed hospital, where she is responding to treatment.

She also said that three people were abducted and taken into the bush, while confirming that the driver died from injuries sustained during the kidnap attempt.

The statement reads, “The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a tragic incident that occurred on April 18, 2026, at about 18:00hrs along the Lagos–Benin Express Road within the Iguobazuwa axis.

“Preliminary reports indicate that a commercial bus belonging to GUO Transport Company, with registration number FA 280 YJ, conveying five persons, was attacked by unknown armed men suspected to be kidnappers. During the attack, the driver was shot and fatally injured.

“Following a swift police response, one female passenger who sustained gunshot injuries was rescued and immediately rushed to the hospital, where she is receiving treatment and responding positively.

“The command further confirms that three other passengers were abducted by the assailants and taken into the nearby forest.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered a coordinated and rigorous rescue operation, noting that all divisions along the Ore–Benin axis and boundary forests have been directed to embark on an intensive search-and-rescue mission to be led by their respective Area Commanders.

Additionally, the CP said operatives from the command’s anti-kidnapping unit at the state headquarters have been deployed to reinforce ongoing operations in the forests.

Also, tactical teams, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes, are currently combing the area to ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators.

The corpse of the deceased driver, after being confirmed dead, has been deposited in the hospital mortuary, while the vehicle has been recovered.

The command assured the public that it remains resolute and will not relent until the victims are safely rescued and the criminals brought to justice.

Members of the public are urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could aid ongoing operations.

NGGOSSIPS reported that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Sunday killed a bus driver and abducted an unspecified number of passengers.

It was gathered that the commercial bus was travelling from Lagos to the eastern part of the country when it came under heavy gunfire, forcing it to a halt.

A viral video circulating online captured the aftermath of the incident, with a narrator alleging that the attackers opened fire on the vehicle before dragging passengers away.

The narrator said, “The kidnappers shot and killed the driver. They also took passengers into the bush. I don’t know the number, but it looks like the entire bus was taken.”