The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of all 13 passengers abducted during an attack on a commercial bus along the Benin–Lagos Road.
The incident reportedly occurred at Ogua Community on May 13 when armed kidnappers attacked the bus conveying passengers from Akwa Ibom to Lagos.
During the attack, the assailants reportedly shot a female passenger before whisking away all occupants of the vehicle to an unknown location.
Following the incident, the police command launched coordinated rescue operations and bush-combing exercises across the affected area.
According to the police, initial rescue efforts led to the recovery of five passengers, including two adults and three children.
The command stated that security operatives continued pursuing the kidnappers while deploying drones, aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, and technology-driven policing methods.
Further operations reportedly resulted in the rescue of two more victims after operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel.
In a statement issued on May 23, the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that the remaining six abducted passengers had also been rescued unharmed.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the courage and resilience of officers involved in the rescue mission.
He also assured residents that security operatives remain committed to tracking down and arresting those responsible for the attack.
According to the command, intensive bush-combing and manhunt operations are still ongoing across the area to apprehend the kidnappers and strengthen security along the highway corridor.
