Security forces in Edo State have successfully rescued eleven passengers who were among eighteen travellers abducted by armed men along a major highway. The incident, which has heightened concerns over road safety, occurred on the busy Benin-Akure road.
Attack and Abduction on a Major Route
On Thursday, December 12, a group of gunmen brought traffic to a violent halt near Obarenren village in Ovia North East Local Government Area. The assailants, armed and dangerous, forced the victims' vehicle to stop, fired shots into the air to create panic, and then marched eighteen passengers into the nearby bush. The attack happened in broad daylight, underscoring the audacity of the kidnappers.
Swift Joint Operation Leads to Rescues
The Edo State Police Command, represented by its spokesperson ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that a distress call was received immediately after the attack. This prompt alert enabled a rapid and coordinated response. The police mobilized operatives and launched a joint bush-combing operation with personnel from the Nigerian Army, local vigilante groups, and hunters.
This collaborative effort yielded results on Sunday, December 15, when eleven of the kidnapped travellers were found and freed from captivity. The operation successfully secured their release without reported harm. ASP Ikoedem praised the synergy between the different security units and community stakeholders, which was crucial to the successful rescue.
Search Continues for Remaining Victims
Despite this success, the mission is not yet complete. Seven passengers remain in the custody of their abductors. ASP Ikoedem has assured the public, and particularly the families of those still missing, that the security agencies are intensifying efforts. "The police were doing everything possible within their capacity to secure the release of the remaining victims," she stated.
She further called for public cooperation, urging citizens to remain calm and provide any useful information to security agencies. The police spokesperson expressed strong confidence that the remaining abducted passengers would also be rescued safely and unhurt.
This incident highlights the persistent security challenges on some inter-state roads in Nigeria and the critical importance of community vigilance and intelligence-sharing with security forces.
