Gunmen kill driver, abduct passengers on Lagos–eastern highway in Edo

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed a bus driver and abducted an unspecified number of passengers in Edo State.

The commercial bus was travelling from Lagos to the eastern part of the country when the attackers opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to a halt along the highway.

A viral video from the scene showed the aftermath of the incident. An unidentified narrator in the video alleged that the gunmen shot the driver dead before dragging passengers into the bush.

The narrator stated that it appeared most, if not all, of the passengers were taken.

Confirming the incident, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent Eno Ikoedem, said the attack occurred within the Iguobazuwa Police Division area.

She added that a manhunt had been launched for the suspects. The Commissioner of Police has directed adjoining police divisions to join in bush combing operations to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators.

Ikoedem said efforts are also ongoing to improve safety along the highway.