The Edo state police command has rescued eight kidnap victims, including three children, who were abducted by gunmen along the Benin-Akure road between Obarenren and Odunwongie communities in Edo state.
The victims, who were travelling in a commercial bus, were among 15 passengers kidnapped during an attack on October 25, 2025.
Police said efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining seven victims still in captivity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the command’s deputy public relations officer, Eno Ikoedem, said operatives from the Ekiadolor division were deployed to the scene following a distress call received around 5 p.m. on the day of the incident.
“At the scene, it was discovered that a 14-seater Hummer bus with registration number KJA 119 XF, driven by one Francis Okeke from Afuze in Owan east local government area, was attacked by armed men.
“The suspects took 15 passengers into the bush after sporadic gunfire near a military checkpoint and the anti-kidnapping checkpoint in the area,” Ikoedem said.
The police spokesperson explained that the operatives pursued the kidnappers into the forest, where eight victims, including three children, were rescued unhurt.
She added that a manhunt for the fleeing suspects was ongoing with the support of technological tools and intelligence assets.
“The driver of the vehicle is assisting the police with the investigation,” she added.
The command assured the public that security operatives were maintaining increased patrols along major highways and urged residents to remain calm and vigilant.
“Members of the public are advised to report any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest police station or through our control room hotlines,” Ikoedem stated.
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