Police foil kidnap attempt on Benin–Abraka Road, rescue passengers

Edo State Police Command operatives successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt along the Benin-Abraka Road, rescuing passengers from a commercial bus after a confrontation with suspected kidnappers. The incident occurred on June 21, 2026, near a damaged section of the road by the NNPC pipeline.

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At about 6:46 p.m. on the said day, information was received from a concerned source that armed kidnappers had emerged at a failed portion of the road near the NNPC pipeline axis and intercepted a commercial bus belonging to Muyi Line Transport Company, registration number BEN 730 YE, travelling from Abraka to Benin City.

Armed individuals reportedly intercepted a Muyi Line Transport Company bus traveling from Abraka to Benin City, opening fire on the vehicle and forcing the driver to stop. Upon receiving a distress call, operatives from the Ugo Division swiftly mobilized to the scene. They engaged the assailants in a gun battle, and the superior firepower of the police compelled the criminals to abandon their abduction attempt and escape into the surrounding forest.

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Upon receiving the distress call, operatives of the Ugo Division swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel. However, due to the superior firepower and tactical response of the police, the criminals were forced to abandon their mission and flee into the surrounding bush.

All passengers aboard the bus were safely rescued. One passenger, Isaac Olotu Temitope, sustained a minor pellet injury to his right toe but received treatment at the Ugo Health Centre and was discharged. The State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has dispatched reinforcement teams to track down the fleeing suspects. The command reassured the public of its commitment to safety and urged vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities.

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One passenger, Isaac Olotu Temitope of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, sustained a pellet injury to his right toe. He was immediately taken to Ugo Health Centre, where he received treatment and was discharged to continue his journey.