Sixteen passengers abducted along the Benin-Auchi Road in Edo State on Friday have been rescued, the Edo State Police Command confirmed.
Spokesperson Moses Yamu told PUNCH on Saturday, that the victims were forced into the bush by kidnappers while travelling to Abuja in an Edoline bus.
“The kidnapping took place on Friday at about 16:30 hrs. Sixteen of the victims have been rescued so far, as the search and rescue operation by the command in collaboration with vigilantes and hunters continues,” Yamu said.
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He added, “We are not resting until all those kidnapped are brought back safely.
“Our officers are working round the clock, and we urge the public to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel.”
A video circulating on Saturday morning showed an empty Edoline bus and a Toyota Corolla at the scene, with a narrator stating that about 18 people had been taken into the bush.
The narrator also said, “The police are already here, so there is no need to panic. Please continue your journey carefully.”
One rescued passenger, who preferred not to be named, described the ordeal: “We were terrified as the kidnappers dragged us into the bush.
“ I thank God for the police and the local hunters who came to rescue us.”
Yamu further emphasized the importance of community collaboration, saying, “Local vigilantes and hunters are key partners in these operations.
“Their knowledge of the terrain greatly aids our rescue efforts.”
