The Edo State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt along the Benin-Abraka Road, rescuing all passengers aboard a commercial bus after a gun duel with suspected kidnappers forced the attackers to flee into surrounding bush.
Police Public Relations Officer ASP Eno Ikioedem disclosed the details in a statement on Wednesday, saying the incident occurred at approximately 6:46 p.m. on June 21 near the NNPC Pipeline axis. The area, characterised by a failed portion of the road, had reportedly become a recurring hotspot for criminal activity, with the difficult terrain providing cover for attacks on road users.
Armed suspects intercepted a commercial bus belonging to Muyi Line Transport Company, with registration number BEN 730 YE, as it travelled from Abraka to Benin City. The kidnappers opened fire on the vehicle and forced the driver to stop, apparently intending to abduct passengers onboard.
Operatives from the Ugo Division responded swiftly to a distress call and engaged the suspects in a gun duel. Faced with what the police described as superior firepower and a coordinated tactical response, the kidnappers abandoned their operation and fled into the surrounding bush.
All passengers aboard the bus were rescued unharmed, though the incident was not without casualties. One passenger, Isaac Olotu Temitope, a resident of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, sustained a pellet injury to his right toe during the attack. He was taken to the Ugo Health Centre for treatment and was later discharged.
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika responded to the incident by deploying reinforcement teams from the command headquarters to the area to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects. He commended the officers of the Ugo Division for their swift response and bravery, describing their conduct as consistent with the command’s operational standards.
Agbonika also moved to reassure residents and road users across Edo State, stressing that the command remained committed to safeguarding lives and property. He urged members of the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or security agency without delay, noting that timely information from the public had proven critical in enabling rapid responses to incidents such as this one.
