The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of passengers along the Benin–Akure Highway and the rescue of 11 out of the 18 victims taken by unknown gunmen.
According to Channels TV, the incident occurred on Friday, December 12, near Obarenren village in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, as the passengers travelled in a vehicle belonging to a popular commercial transport operator.
In a telephone interview, Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said security agencies are still working to rescue the remaining victims.
“The vehicle was ambushed at gunpoint, and all the occupants were forcefully taken away by the suspected kidnappers,” he said.
ASP Ikoedem added that the Divisional Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes, and hunters, launched a swift rescue operation. The joint security team combed surrounding bushes and forested areas to locate the abducted passengers and the perpetrators.
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The operation led to the rescue of 11 of the 18 abducted passengers on Sunday, who have since been reunited with their families. Efforts to mop secure the release of the remaining seven victims are ongoing.
The police spokesperson assured residents that security would be intensified across Edo State, particularly with the yuletide season approaching. “Edo State will not be a safe haven for criminals,” he added.