Benin City, Edo State, NIGERIA — The Edo State Police Command has launched a rescue operation following an attack on a commercial bus along the Lagos–Benin Express Road. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, April 18, 2026, and resulted in the death of a driver and the abduction of several passengers.
The victims were traveling in a GUO Transport Company bus when armed men suspected to be kidnappers ambushed the vehicle near the Iguobazuwa axis at approximately 6:00 PM.
Okay News gathered that the assailants opened fire on the bus, fatally wounding the driver. One female passenger who sustained gunshot injuries was rescued by responding officers and is currently receiving medical treatment in stable condition.
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika has ordered an immediate and rigorous rescue mission across the Benin–Ore axis and surrounding boundary forests. The operation involves a coordinated effort between the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, tactical teams, local hunters, and vigilantes. While early reports varied on the exact number of victims, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that at least three passengers were marched into the forest by the gunmen.
This attack follows a series of security interventions in the state led by CP Agbonika, who has recently overseen the promotion of officers and reinforced tactical deployments to curb highway criminality. The Police Command has recovered the targeted vehicle and deposited the driver’s remains at a hospital mortuary as investigations continue.
The Edo State Police Command urged commuters and residents to remain calm while providing any credible information that could assist in the safe recovery of the abducted individuals. The public is advised to monitor official channels for updates as the manhunt for the perpetrators intensifies.
