Police Foil Kidnap Attempt On Benin-Abraka Road, Rescue Passengers

The Edo State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt along the Benin-Abraka Road and rescued all passengers in a commercial bus attacked by suspected kidnappers.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, said the incident occurred at about 6:46 p.m. on June 21, 2026, near the NNPC Pipeline axis, where a failed portion of the road had reportedly become a hotspot for criminal activities.

According to the statement, armed kidnappers intercepted a commercial bus belonging to Muyi Line Transport Company, with registration number BEN 730 YE, travelling from Abraka to Benin City. The hoodlums allegedly opened fire on the vehicle and forced the driver to stop.

The police said operatives of the Ugo Division responded swiftly to a distress call and engaged the suspects in a gun duel. Overwhelmed by the operatives’ superior firepower and tactical response, the kidnappers abandoned their mission and fled into the surrounding bush.

All passengers aboard the bus were rescued. However, one of the passengers, Mr Isaac Olotu Temitope 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.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, has deployed reinforcement teams from the command headquarters to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Agbonika commended the officers involved in the operation for their swift response and bravery, while reassuring residents and road users of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or other security agencies.