Police operatives
Swift intervention by the Edo State Police Command has led to the rescue of 11 passengers abducted by armed assailants along the Benin–Lagos Expressway, following a late-night attack that claimed the life of a driver.
The incident occurred around 11:55 p.m. on December 20 at Isiuwa, according to security reports. Armed men were said to have ambushed two vehicles travelling along the busy highway.
The attackers according to a report by a security analyst, ZagaZola Makama, first opened fire on an Audi vehicle conveying plantains and two occupants, killing the driver on the spot. Moments later, the same gang reportedly attacked a Toyota Hiace bus driven by Ubong Edet Okon, which was transporting 10 passengers from Lagos to Akwa Ibom State.
“The bandits took the passengers into the bush,” a police source said.
Following distress calls, police operatives were immediately mobilised to the area.
Their rapid response led to the successful rescue of 11 abducted passengers during a coordinated operation in the surrounding bush.
Those rescued were identified as Alhaji Mustapha Urmar, Queen Ogbowan, Blessing Ofem, Gift Sunday, Asngua Adakama, Ime Edet, Abasi Okon Nduye, Blessing Augustine Akpan, Thomas Kollins, Happiness Moses and Victoria Nkemie.
However, the source disclosed that two passengers were still unaccounted for as of the time of filing this report.
The injured driver of the Toyota Hiace bus was rushed to the Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada, where he was later confirmed dead by medical personnel. His remains have been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Police authorities said intensive combing and search operations are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and track down the perpetrators, assuring residents and motorists of continued efforts to secure the highway.
