Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have shot dead a commercial bus driver and abducted several passengers in Edo State, in a brazen attack that has heightened fears over safety on Nigeria’s highways.
The incident occurred along a major route linking Lagos to the eastern part of the country, where the commercial vehicle was ambushed by armed men who opened heavy gunfire, forcing the bus to a halt.
Eyewitness accounts and a viral video seen by our correspondent showed the aftermath of the attack, with the driver lying lifeless while passengers were reportedly dragged into the bush by the assailants.
An unidentified narrator in the video said, “The kidnappers shot and killed the driver. They also took passengers into the bush. I don’t know their number, but it appears that most, if not all, of the occupants were abducted.”
Reacting to the incident, the Nigeria Police Force in the state confirmed the attack and disclosed that a coordinated rescue operation had been launched.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent Eno Ikoedem, said the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Iguobazuwa Police Division, adding that security operatives had swung into action to track down the perpetrators.
She stated that the Commissioner of Police had directed adjoining divisions to intensify bush-combing operations with a view to rescuing the abducted passengers and apprehending those responsible.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed adjoining divisions to join in the bush-combing efforts to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators,” she said. �
Ikoedem further assured that additional security measures were being implemented to strengthen surveillance and improve safety along the affected highway.
Meanwhile, the number of passengers abducted remains unclear as authorities continue search and rescue efforts.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over persistent kidnapping incidents along major highways across the country, with commuters increasingly becoming targets of criminal gangs seeking ransom
.
Residents and road users have called for sustained security presence and more proactive intelligence-driven operations to curb the menace.
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