The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 16 passengers abducted on Friday along the Benin–Auchi Road.
Videos shared on Saturday morning showed an abandoned Edoline bus and a Toyota Corolla, while a male narrator disclosed that about 18 travellers had been taken into the bush by suspected kidnappers.
The narrator added that the abduction had just occurred, with police operatives already spotted at the scene. The footage also showed multiple cars and heavy-duty trucks parked on the highway, as drivers hesitated to proceed. He later urged them to continue, assuring that police were on ground.
Reports indicated that the bus passengers, who were Abuja-bound, were forced into the bush before police officers intervened.
When contacted, Edo police spokesperson Moses Yamu confirmed the rescue of some victims.
“The kidnapping took place on Friday at about 16:30 hrs. Sixteen of the victims have been rescued so far, as the search and rescue operation by the command in collaboration with vigilantes and hunters continues,” Yamu stated.
He did not, however, disclose the exact number of people kidnapped, but stressed that efforts were ongoing to free the remaining hostages.
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