The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of seven passengers along the Benin–Akure Road, between Obarenren Community and Odunwongie Community.
This was stated in a press release on Tuesday by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.
She said that the police rescued eight, including children, while efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining seven passengers.
The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on October 25, 2025, at about 17:00 hrs, a distress call was received by the Command while Ekiadolor Division operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene of the suspected kidnapping incident along the Benin–Akure Road, between Obarenren Community and Odunwongie Community.
“At the scene, it was revealed that at about 16:30 hours, gunshots were heard between a military checkpoint and the Anti-Kidnapping checkpoint in the area. A 14-seater Hummer Bus with registration number KJA 119 XF, driven by one Francis Okeke of Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area, had been attacked by armed men, while 15 passengers were taken into the nearby bush.
“Acting promptly, the operatives pursued the kidnappers into the forest and successfully rescued eight victims, including three children, unharmed. However, seven other passengers are still unaccounted for as efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue them.
“An aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators is currently in progress, with a full complement of technological support to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims, while the driver of the vehicle is assisting the police with the investigation.”
“The Edo State Police Command assures the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring the safety of all residents and commuters within the State. Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation.
“Anyone with useful information is encouraged to kindly contact our emergency Control Room numbers: 08077773721, 08037646272.”
Several criminals have been arrested by the police and sister agencies, ensuring that those with cases to answer are charged in court after investigation.
This has not deterred the kidnapping of more citizens, as a retired headmaster identified as Mr Eliaser Olorunloju was recently kidnapped near a Fulani settlement between Sasaro and Ayetoro along the dilapidated Igarra-Uneme-Nekhua–Ibillo road in Akoko-Edo Local Government.
It was gathered that his abductors have reportedly contacted the family and demanded N70 million as ransom.
However, a teenager known as Blessing was rescued by the men of the Edo State Security Corps, while Aisha Wahab, who was kidnapped last Tuesday in Auchi, Edo North, regained her freedom on Friday.
On March 28, 2025, an angry mob killed seven travellers in Uromi, Edo Central, over their suspected involvement in kidnapping. Guns were found in the truck taking them to the northern part of the country, which triggered the lynching of about 16 of them, with seven dying in the process.
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