The Edo State Commissioner of Police (CP), Monday Agbonika, has confirmed the successful rescue of 13 passengers abducted by gunmen along the Benin-Ore Expressway.
The victims were abducted on Saturday afternoon near Ekhiadolor after armed men ambushed their bus, shot the driver, and forced the passengers into a nearby bush.
The injured driver was left by the roadside before being rushed to a hospital in Benin, where he is said to be receiving treatment.
Following the attack, the police launched a large-scale manhunt for the kidnappers, deploying special tactical teams, drones, and other surveillance equipment into the forests around the crime scene.
Providing an update, Agbonika confirmed that all the abducted passengers have been freed.
“We have rescued all the victims. Every one of them is safe. Since the day of the incident, we have been on the operation nonstop, deploying drones and other devices to track the suspects,” the police chief said.
Although the victims have been rescued, Agbonika assured that manhunt for the kidnappers continues.