The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 16 passengers who were kidnapped on Friday along the Benin-Auchi Road.
Police spokesperson Moses Yamu announced on Saturday, stating that efforts to locate and free the remaining victims are ongoing. He noted that the police were working in coordination with local vigilantes and hunters to track down the kidnappers and safely recover those still held.
“The kidnapping occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Friday. So far, 16 victims have been rescued, and our search and rescue operation continues,” Yamu said.
A video shared on Saturday morning showed an abandoned Edoline transport bus and a Toyota Corolla at the scene. The narrator, a male voice, claimed that about 18 people had been taken into the bush by gunmen. He noted the abduction had just happened, and police officers were already on the ground initiating a rescue operation.
The video also captured a line of parked cars and trucks, as drivers appeared unsure whether to proceed or turn back. The narrator, who had left the scene, advised motorists that it was safe to continue, as law enforcement had taken control of the area.
Reports indicate that the passengers in the Edoline bus were en route to Abuja when the vehicle was ambushed, and the occupants were forced into the forest.
While Yamu did not confirm the total number of people abducted, he reassured the public that the operation to free the remaining hostages was ongoing and would continue until all victims were accounted for.
