Gunmen attacked a commercial bus on the Lagos-Benin Expressway in Edo State on April 18, 2026, resulting in the death of the driver and the abduction of multiple passengers.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement released on its official X page on April 20, 2026.
The attack occurred at approximately 6:00 pm along the Iguobazuwa axis of the Ore-Benin road. According to police reports, the vehicle, operated by GUO Transport Company, was carrying five passengers when it was ambushed by suspected kidnappers.
During the attack, the driver sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was later pronounced dead. One female passenger was also injured by gunfire and was immediately transported to a local hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
Tragically, three other passengers were forcibly taken from the bus and led into the surrounding forest by the attackers.
Edo State Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika has ordered a comprehensive and coordinated rescue operation spanning the entire Ore-Benin axis. Tactical units, including specialized operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, have been deployed to the area.
These units are working in close collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups to thoroughly search the forests and surrounding areas in an effort to locate and safely recover the abducted victims and to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
Police have recovered the GUO Transport bus involved in the attack. The body of the deceased driver has been taken to a hospital mortuary.
The Edo State Police Command has reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to rescuing the abducted passengers and bringing the criminals to justice. They are urging anyone with information relevant to the ongoing operation to come forward and assist the police in their efforts.