Law enforcement thwarts abduction bid on Benin–Abraka Road, frees trapped commuters

Operatives from the Edo State Police Command successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt on the Benin–Abraka Road, freeing the passengers of a commercial bus after a fierce shootout with the suspected kidnappers.

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The command's spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, released a statement on Wednesday, revealing that the incident took place on June 21, 2026.

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According to the statement, armed individuals had intercepted a commercial bus belonging to Muyi Line Transport Company and opened fire before attempting to abduct its occupants.

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The statement from the Edo State Police Command informed the public that operatives from the Ugo Division had successfully foiled the kidnapping attempt on the Benin–Abraka Road on June 21, 2026.

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At approximately 6:46 p.m. on that day, the police received information from a concerned source that armed kidnappers had emerged at a failed portion of the road near the NNPC pipeline axis and intercepted a commercial bus with registration number BEN 730 YE, which was travelling from Abraka to Benin City.

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The armed suspects reportedly fired at the vehicle, forcing the driver to stop, as stated in part of the release.

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Following the distress call, operatives from the Ugo Division quickly mobilised to the scene and confronted the hoodlums, engaging them in a gun duel.

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Due to the police's superior firepower and tactical response, the criminals were forced to abandon their mission and flee into the surrounding bush, as stated in the release.

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The command reported that all passengers on board the vehicle were rescued, with one passenger, Isaac Olotu Temitope of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, sustaining a pellet injury to his right toe.

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Isaac Olotu Temitope was immediately taken to Ugo Health Centre, where he received treatment and was discharged to continue his journey, as stated in the release.

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The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, deployed reinforcement teams from the command headquarters to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, according to the spokesperson.

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The police commissioner commended the swift response and bravery of the officers involved in the operation and reassured residents and road users of the command's commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or other security agencies.

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Meanwhile, the police recalled that operatives of the command had earlier arrested four suspects and neutralised one other person in connection with a kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market in Benin City on June 14, 2026.

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In an update issued on Tuesday, the police stated that three additional suspects were arrested on June 20, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to seven, but initially it was said four suspects were arrested.