11 abducted Edo passengers rescued, seven missing

At least 11 of the 18 passengers abducted along the Benin–Akure Highway last Friday have been rescued by security operatives.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the abduction and the successful rescue of 11 victims taken by unknown gunmen.

According to Channels Television, the incident occurred on Friday, December 12, around Obarenren village in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, as the passengers were travelling in a vehicle operated by a popular commercial transport company.

Confirming the development in a telephone interview, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining passengers.

He explained that the vehicle was ambushed at gunpoint, and all occupants were forcibly taken away by the suspected kidnappers.

Ikoedem said security agencies responded swiftly after the incident was reported, noting that the Divisional Police Command in the area immediately launched a rescue operation in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes and hunters.

According to him, the joint security team combed surrounding bushes and forested areas in search of the abducted passengers and their captors, leading to the rescue of 11 victims on Sunday.

He added that the rescued passengers had since been reunited with their families, while efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining seven victims.

The police spokesperson assured residents that security would be intensified across Edo State, particularly as the yuletide season approaches, stressing that the state would not be a haven for criminals.

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