Police have confirmed a tragic kidnapping and murder incident along the Lagos-Benin Expressway in Edo State, South-South Nigeria, in what was described as an attack by suspected kidnappers.
The development was made public in an official statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on April 18, 2026, at about 6.00pm within the Iguobazuwa area, when a commercial bus belonging to GUO Transport Company, carrying five passengers, came under attack.
The assailants reportedly opened fire on the vehicle, fatally shooting the driver during the assault.
The Police Command disclosed that one female passenger who sustained gunshot injuries during the attack was promptly rescued by responding officers and rushed to a medical facility.
She is currently receiving treatment and is said to be responding positively.
However, the attackers abducted three other passengers, taking them into the surrounding forest.
In response, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered an intensive and coordinated rescue operation.
Area Commanders have been directed to lead search efforts across all divisions along the area, while operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit have been deployed to reinforce ongoing operations.
The Command adds that tactical teams, working in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes, are actively combing nearby forests to secure the safe release of the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
The body of the deceased driver has been deposited in the mortuary, and the vehicle involved has been recovered.
The Police, through its spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, assured the public of its commitment to bringing those responsible to justice and urged citizens to provide useful information to aid the operation.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
