Benin–Lagos Road: Police Rescue All 13 Abducted Young Shall Grow Passengers in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of all 13 passengers abducted along the Benin–Lagos Road after armed hoodlums attacked a commercial bus belonging to Young Shall Grow Motors.

The passengers were travelling from Akwa Ibom State to Lagos on 9 May, 2026, when the gunmen ambushed the bus at Ogua Community along the ever-busy highway. During the attack, a female passenger was reportedly shot by the kidnappers before the victims were dragged into the bush.

According to the Command, operatives immediately launched coordinated rescue and bush-combing operations following the incident. The initial operation led to the rescue of five passengers, including two adults and three children, while security operatives intensified efforts to track down the abductors.

Police authorities disclosed that on 10 May, 2026, operatives deployed drones, aerial surveillance technology and intelligence-driven tactics to engage the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, leading to the rescue of two more passengers.

The Command has now confirmed that the remaining six abducted victims have also been rescued unhurt, bringing the total number of rescued passengers to 13.

Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the bravery and resilience of officers involved in the operation, assuring residents that the Command remains relentless in its crackdown on criminal elements operating along the Benin–Lagos corridor.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, stated that intensive bush-combing operations are still ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators behind the attack.