Travellers in fear as kidnappers storm Benin–Auchi road, seize Edo Line bus

Panic gripped travelers along the Benin–Auchi Highway on Friday when suspected kidnappers struck, abducting 18 passengers who were on board a newly introduced Edo Line transport bus. The incident, which happened in broad daylight, threw the busy highway into confusion as motorists and commuters fled for safety.

Eyewitnesses said the passengers, who were Abuja-bound, were forced out of the bus by the heavily armed assailants and marched into the surrounding forest. A viral video from the scene later showed a long stretch of vehicles halted on both sides of the highway, as frightened drivers and passengers remained stranded.

The abduction has raised concerns over the increasing wave of insecurity in parts of Edo State and across major highways in the country. Many residents expressed fear that even the launch of the state-owned Edo Line, intended to restore public confidence in road transportation, may be overshadowed by the menace of kidnappers.

Confirming the incident on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Edo State Command, SP Moses Iyamu, said swift intervention by security operatives led to the rescue of 16 out of the 18 victims. He disclosed that search-and-rescue operations have been intensified to free the remaining two passengers still in captivity.

Iyamu further explained that the police are working in close collaboration with local vigilante groups and hunters who are familiar with the terrain, stressing that no stone will be left unturned until all the victims are safely reunited with their families.

The development has once again sparked debate over the safety of Nigeria’s highways and the need for urgent, sustained action to curb banditry and kidnapping. Many stakeholders are calling for a stronger synergy between security agencies and local communities to tackle the menace head-on.