Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Monday attacked a bus belonging to GUO Transport Company along the Benin–Ore expressway, killing the driver and abducting an unspecified number of passengers.
The commercial bus was travelling from Lagos State to the eastern part of the country when it came under heavy gunfire, forcing it to stop.
A viral video from the scene showed the aftermath of the attack, with an unidentified narrator alleging that the assailants opened fire on the vehicle before taking passengers into the bush.
“The kidnappers shot and killed the driver. They also took passengers into the bush. I don’t know the number but it looks more like the entire (sic) were kidnapped,” the narrator said.
The spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and said security operatives have launched a manhunt for the attackers.
She noted that the attack occurred within the Iguobazuwa Police Division area.
Ikoedem added, “The Commissioner of Police has directed adjoining divisions to join in the bush combing efforts to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators.”
She also stated that operations are ongoing to enhance security along the affected highway.
