Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers attacked a GUO transport company commercial bus on the Benin-Lagos highway, killing the driver and abducting several passengers on Sunday, April 19, 2026. The incident occurred along the Benin-Ore axis of the highway as the bus traveled from Lagos toward the Eastern part of Nigeria. The attackers ambushed the vehicle, opening fire and forcing it to stop. The driver was reportedly killed on the spot, while passengers were dragged into the bush.
A viral video circulating online shows a narrator describing the attack, confirming that the gunmen targeted the bus heading east, killed the driver, and took the passengers into the forest. The video has raised alarm across social media platforms, prompting calls for urgent action from security agencies. The attack has heightened concerns over rising insecurity along major transportation corridors in the South-South and South-West regions.
The Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and stated that police operatives have launched a manhunt for the kidnappers. She revealed that bush combing operations are underway to locate the abducted passengers and apprehend the perpetrators. The operation is being coordinated under the Iguobazuwa Police Division, with additional support from neighboring divisions as ordered by the Police Commissioner.
Security experts have warned that such attacks are becoming more frequent along key highways, especially during night hours when surveillance is limited. The Benin-Lagos route, a major transit corridor, has seen a surge in armed robberies and kidnappings in recent months. The latest attack adds to growing fears among commercial transport operators and travelers about the safety of road journeys across Nigeria.
The police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security outpost. Authorities are also appealing for information that could lead to the safe recovery of the abducted passengers. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for improved security measures along the highway and better coordination between state and federal security agencies.
As the search continues, families of the missing passengers anxiously await news. The government has been urged to intensify efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping, especially along critical transportation routes. The attack underscores the urgent need for sustained security interventions to protect lives and restore confidence in road travel across Nigeria.
Leave a Comment