Edo State Police rescue 11 passengers kidnapped along Benin-Akure highway; seven remain captive as joint security forces intensify search operation.
The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued 11 passengers who were kidnapped by armed gunmen along the Benin-Akure highway, near Obarenren village in Ovia North-East Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State.
The attack, which occurred on December 12, involved 18 passengers traveling along this major roadway, a route often targeted by criminals due to its remote stretches and heavy traffic.
According to police reports, the assailants intercepted the vehicle, blocked its path, and fired several gunshots to force it to a halt.
The attackers then dragged the passengers into the surrounding bush, leaving the vehicle abandoned.
The incident sparked immediate concern among residents and commuters, who expressed fear over traveling along the highway in recent weeks due to rising incidents of criminal activity.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that the command received a distress call shortly after the attack.
“Upon receiving information about the abduction, our officers immediately mobilized alongside the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups to launch a coordinated rescue operation,” she said.
The swift response underscores the commitment of the Edo State Police to ensuring the safety of commuters and reducing the prevalence of violent crimes along the Benin-Akure highway.
A joint team comprising police operatives, army personnel, local hunters, and vigilante groups conducted an extensive bush-combing operation.
This collaborative effort involved scouring the forested areas surrounding Obarenren village, tracking signs of the abductors’ movements, and establishing checkpoints along the highway to prevent further incidents.
ASP Ikoedem praised the collaboration, stating that the teamwork significantly contributed to the successful rescue of the majority of the kidnapped passengers.
On Sunday, the operation culminated in the rescue of 11 of the 18 abducted passengers.
“While we are grateful for the safe recovery of these victims, seven individuals remain in the custody of the gunmen,” ASP Ikoedem confirmed.
Authorities have assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to secure the release of the remaining hostages unharmed.
Security experts have highlighted that the Benin-Akure highway has increasingly become a hotspot for criminal activities, particularly kidnappings for ransom.
The highway connects major commercial hubs in Edo and Ondo States, making it a lucrative target for armed groups seeking quick financial gains.
In response, the Edo State Police, in collaboration with community-based vigilantes and local hunters, has intensified patrols and security measures along the route.
Residents of Ovia North-East LGA have urged the government to implement permanent security solutions along the highway, including mobile police checkpoints, increased surveillance, and rapid response units.
Many commuters expressed relief over the rescue of the 11 passengers but stressed that sustained security presence is essential to prevent future abductions.
In her statement, ASP Ikoedem appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support law enforcement agencies.
She also encouraged witnesses or anyone with information about the abductors’ whereabouts to report immediately to the nearest police station.
“Our officers are doing everything within their capacity to ensure that the remaining passengers are rescued safely. We are confident that no harm will come to them,” she reassured.
The incident has reignited calls for urgent intervention by both state and federal authorities to address the rising trend of violent crimes along key highways in southern Nigeria.
Analysts point out that coordinated efforts involving the police, military, and local communities have shown positive results in similar cases, emphasizing the importance of intelligence-led operations and proactive patrolling.
Meanwhile, survivors of the abduction recounted harrowing experiences, describing the fear and trauma of being forcibly taken into the bush at gunpoint.
Their testimonies have strengthened the resolve of the Edo State Police and allied security agencies to intensify efforts against highway kidnappings.
Psychological support and counseling have also been offered to the rescued passengers to help them recover from the ordeal.
The Edo State Police Command continues to monitor the Benin-Akure highway closely, deploying additional patrol teams and checkpoints along vulnerable stretches.
ASP Ikoedem reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users and urged commuters to remain vigilant while traveling.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to apprehend the kidnappers and bring the remaining victims back to safety,” she said.
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