The police in Edo State have confirmed the rescue of 13 passengers of the Young Shall Grow Motors abducted by gunmen while travelling to Lagos State.
The victims, who were travelling to Lagos from Akwa Ibom State were reportedly kidnapped on May 9, 2026, along Benin-Sapele highway, close to Ologbo in Edo State.
Spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Benin City.
Ikoedem said the kidnappers shot a female passenger.
She added that five of the passengers – two adults and three children – were first rescued when operatives of the Command launched a coordinated rescue and bush combing operations.
She revealed that through the deployment of drones, aerial surveillance, intelligence-driven policing and sustained technological support, operatives of the Command on May 10, 2026 engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel and successfully rescued two additional victims.
The command’s image maker further said that the remaining six abducted passengers have all been rescued unhurt.
She said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the courage and resilience of the operatives involved in the operation and reassured residents that the Command is not relenting in its efforts as intensive bush combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of the crime.
Reports said the kidnappers had earlier contacted the victims’ families and demanded a N30 million ransom on each of the victims.