The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of seven passengers along the Benin–Akure Road, between Obarenren and Odunwongie communities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the command said eight victims, including three children, had been rescued, while efforts were ongoing to free the remaining abducted passengers.
“On October 25, 2025, at about 5:00 p.m., the command received a distress call and promptly deployed operatives from the Ekiadolor Division to the scene of a suspected kidnapping incident along the Benin–Akure Road,” the statement read.
Preliminary investigation revealed that around 4:30 p.m., gunshots were heard between a military checkpoint and an Anti-Kidnapping Unit checkpoint in the area. A 14-seater Hummer Bus with registration number KJA 119 XF, driven by Francis Okeke from Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area, was attacked by armed men who took 15 passengers into the surrounding forest.
“The operatives pursued the kidnappers into the forest and successfully rescued eight victims, including children, unharmed. Seven passengers, however, remain missing as the search and rescue operation continues,” the statement added.
The command assured that a massive manhunt had been launched, supported by technological tracking tools, to locate the kidnappers and secure the safe return of the remaining victims. The bus driver is assisting investigators with useful information.
“The Edo State Police Command reassures residents that every effort will be made to protect lives and property. Citizens are urged to stay calm, remain vigilant, and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station,” the statement concluded.
Emergency contact numbers provided by the police are 08077773721 and 08037646272.
Meanwhile, despite several recent arrests by security agencies, incidents of kidnapping continue to unsettle parts of the state. In a separate case, a retired headmaster, Mr. Eliaser Olorunloju, was abducted near a Fulani settlement between Sasaro and Ayetoro in Akoko-Edo Local Government, with his captors reportedly demanding ₦70 million ransom.
In other developments, a teenage girl identified as Blessing was recently rescued by the Edo State Security Corps, while Aisha Wahab, kidnapped last Tuesday in Auchi, regained her freedom on Friday.
Earlier this year, on March 28, 2025, an angry mob lynched seven travellers in Uromi, Edo Central, after they were suspected of involvement in kidnapping. Firearms were allegedly discovered in their vehicle, sparking the violent reaction that left seven dead.
0 Comments