At least 18 passengers travelling on the Benin-Auchi highway in Edo State were abducted by gunmen on Friday, September 5, 2025.
The victims, who were en route to Abuja in a recently launched Edo Line bus, were forced into the bush after armed men intercepted the vehicle. Police operatives later arrived at the scene.
A viral video from the incident showed vehicles parked on both sides of the highway as panic gripped commuters.
Confirming the development on Saturday, the Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Moses Iyamu, said 16 of the kidnapped passengers had been rescued.
“Sixteen of the passengers have been rescued safely, while the rescue operation by the Edo State Police, in collaboration with vigilantes and hunters, is ongoing,” Iyamu stated.
He further disclosed that efforts have been intensified to secure the release of the remaining two victims still held by the kidnappers.
