Gunmen attacked a commercial bus on the Lagos-Benin Expressway in Edo State on April 18, 2026, killing the driver and abducting three passengers, according to the Edo State Police Command. The incident occurred around 6:00 pm along the Iguobazuwa axis of the Ore-Benin road, a major transit corridor frequently used by commuters and traders. The vehicle, operated by GUO Transport Company, was carrying five passengers when it was ambushed by suspected kidnappers. The attack has raised alarm over rising insecurity along critical transport routes in the region.
The police confirmed that the driver was shot during the assault and later died from his injuries. One female passenger sustained gunshot wounds but was rescued and taken to a hospital, where she is currently receiving medical treatment and responding positively. Three other passengers were seized by the attackers and forcibly taken into a nearby forest, sparking immediate concern for their safety. The Edo State Police Command released a statement on April 20, 2026, detailing the incident and outlining the response efforts.
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika directed a coordinated rescue operation across the Ore-Benin axis to locate the abducted individuals and apprehend the perpetrators. Tactical teams, including operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, have been deployed to the area, working alongside local hunters and vigilante groups to enhance surveillance and search efforts. Security personnel are actively combing the surrounding forests, focusing on areas where the suspects may have hidden the victims.
The police have also recovered the bus involved in the attack, which was left abandoned at the scene. The body of the deceased driver has been deposited at a hospital mortuary for identification and further investigation. Authorities are urging members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the ongoing rescue mission. The command emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safe return of the abducted passengers and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
This incident underscores the persistent threat of armed banditry and kidnapping along major highways in southern Nigeria. The Lagos-Benin Expressway, despite being a vital economic artery, has become a hotspot for criminal activities in recent months. The Edo State Police Command remains vigilant and continues to coordinate with federal and state security agencies to restore safety along the route. The outcome of the rescue operation will be closely watched by residents and security experts alike.
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