The police have rescued 11 out of 18 passengers who were kidnapped by gunmen on the Benin–Akure highway near Obarenren village in Ovia North East LGA of Edo State on December 12.
The assailants allegedly forced the vehicle to a halt at gunpoint, fired shots and whisked the victims into the bush.
Confirming the development, the Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, told Daily Trust that the command received a distress call shortly after the attack and immediately mobilised security operatives.
She said the police, in collaboration with the army, vigilantes and hunters, launched a bush-combing operation to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victims.
“On Sunday, 11 of the kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued, while seven others are still in the custody of their abductors,” she said.
ASP Ikoedem assured that the police were doing everything possible within their capacity to secure the release of the remaining victims.
She called on members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, expressing confidence that the remaining abducted passengers would be rescued unhurt.
