The Edo State Police Command has foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Benin–Abraka Road and rescued all passengers involved in the incident.
According to the command, operatives received information on June 21 that armed kidnappers had emerged at a bad portion of the road near the NNPC Pipeline axis and intercepted a commercial bus belonging to Muyi Line Transport Company, with registration number BEN 730 YE, travelling from Abraka to Benin City. The suspects reportedly opened fire on the vehicle and forced the driver to stop.
Upon receiving the distress call, officers attached to the Ugo Division swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the hoodlums in a gun battle. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical response of the police, the suspects abandoned their operation and fled into the surrounding bush.
All occupants of the vehicle were rescued. However, one passenger, Mr 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 later discharged.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, has deployed reinforcement teams from the command headquarters to assist in tracking down and apprehending the fleeing suspects.
He commended the swift response and bravery of the officers involved in the operation and reassured residents and road users of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
The police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or other security agencies.
