Gunmen have attacked a commercial bus along the Lagos-Benin Expressway in Edo State, killing the driver and abducting several passengers in a violent ambush.
The incident occurred in the Iguobazuwa axis of the Ore-Benin road at about 6:00 p.m., when the bus, operated by GUO Transport Company, was intercepted by suspected kidnappers while en route to its destination. The vehicle was reportedly carrying five passengers at the time of the attack.
During the assault, the gunmen opened fire on the vehicle, fatally wounding the driver, who was later confirmed dead. One female passenger sustained gunshot injuries but was rescued by security operatives and rushed to a medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and said to be responding.
Three other passengers were forcibly taken by the attackers, who fled the scene with them into a nearby forest, raising concerns over their safety and prompting an immediate security response.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, ordered a coordinated rescue operation across the affected axis. Tactical units, including operatives from the anti-kidnapping squad, were swiftly deployed to the area.
Security personnel, working alongside local hunters and vigilante groups, have since intensified search efforts, combing surrounding forests and adjoining routes in a bid to locate the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Authorities confirmed that the bus involved in the incident has been recovered, while the remains of the deceased driver have been deposited in a hospital mortuary.
The police have reassured residents and road users of ongoing efforts to restore safety along the highway and secure the release of the kidnapped passengers. Members of the public have also been urged to provide any useful information that could assist security agencies in their operations.
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