Operatives of the Edo State Police Command
The Edo State Police Command has reported the successful rescue of all 13 passengers abducted on May 9, 2026, from a Young Shall Grow Motors bus on the Benin-Lagos Road, after initial attacks that injured one female passenger.
The announcement was made on Saturday in a press statement signed by the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem.
The operation involved coordinated bush combing, drone surveillance, intelligence, and a gun duel with kidnappers, resulting in phased rescues of groups including women and children over two weeks.
“We wish to update the general public on the kidnapping incident which occurred on 9th May, 2026, at Ogua Community along the Benin–Lagos Road, where armed kidnappers attacked a commercial bus belonging to Young Shall Grow Motors conveying thirteen (13) passengers from Akwa Ibom State to Lagos, during which a female passenger was shot by the hoodlums,” the statement read.
“Following the incident, the Command immediately launched coordinated rescue and bush combing operations, rescuing five (5) passengers (2 adults & 3 children), and has remained on the trail of the kidnappers.
“Furthermore, on 10th May, 2026, through the deployment of drones, aerial surveillance, intelligence-driven policing, and sustained technological support, operatives of the Command engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel and successfully rescued two additional passengers.
“Today, the Edo State Police Command is pleased to inform the general public that the remaining six abducted passengers have all been rescued unhurt.”
According to ASP Ikoedem, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, has commended the courage and resilience of the operatives involved in the operation.
CP Agbonika has also reassured residents that the Edo State Police Command is not relenting in its efforts as intensive bush combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of this crime.
