A recent kidnapping incident on the Benin-Akure highway has sent shockwaves through local communities after gunmen abducted at least 18 passengers along the busy route in Edo State.
The attack occurred near Obarenren village in the Ovia North-East Local Government Area, according to security sources.
Gunmen Block Highway, Abduct Passengers in Broad Daylight
Witnesses report that the gunmen blocked the highway, creating chaos by firing sporadically into the air, which caused widespread panic among commuters.
The attackers targeted an 18-seater Big Joe commercial bus and swiftly forced the passengers into the nearby bush, vanishing into the surrounding wilderness with their captives.
Police and Army Join Forces in Rescue Operation
Eno Ikoedem, spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, confirmed the kidnapping and assured the public that swift action was being taken. “The incident occurred on Saturday, and the police, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, immediately launched a joint search operation,” Ikoedem said.
She further explained that security teams were conducting extensive bush combing operations in the area, which led to the rescue of 11 of the kidnapped passengers. Despite these efforts, Ikoedem noted that no arrests had been made at the time of reporting.
Continued Search and Growing Concerns Among Locals
While rescue efforts are ongoing, local residents and frequent travelers on the Benin-Akure highway have expressed increasing concerns about their safety. Many are urging the authorities to ramp up security measures on the highway, calling for more frequent patrols to prevent future incidents of kidnapping.
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The unsettling rise in highway kidnappings has raised alarms across the region, with citizens fearing for their safety during travel. The continued operation by security forces, however, brings hope for the safe recovery of the remaining hostages and the eventual arrest of the criminals responsible.
