Gunmen kill bus driver, kidnap passengers on Lagos–Eastern route in Edo

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed a bus driver and abducted an unspecified number of passengers in Edo State.

The commercial bus was travelling from Lagos to the eastern part of the country when it came under heavy gunfire, forcing the vehicle to a halt along the highway.

A video circulating on social media captured the aftermath of the attack, with an unidentified narrator claiming the assailants opened fire on the bus before dragging passengers into the bush.

“The kidnappers shot and killed the driver. They also took passengers into the bush. I don’t know the number but it looks like the entire passengers were kidnapped,” the narrator said.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent Eno Ikoedem, said the attack occurred within the Iguobazuwa Police Division axis and that a manhunt had been launched for the suspects.

She added, “The Commissioner of Police has directed adjoining divisions to join in the bush-combing efforts to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators.”

According to her, security operations have also been intensified along the highway to improve safety and prevent further attacks.