Gunmen Reportedly Kidnap Travellers Along Benin–Oluku Road, Edo State

Panic and fear gripped Edo State today as armed kidnappers struck along the Benin to Iyare–Agbani Kaka–Oluku Road, targeting unsuspecting travellers.

Reports indicate that a fully loaded commercial bus was intercepted, with all passengers taken away by the attackers.

In addition, a New Edo line transport line, Toyota Siena bus and Camry car was discovered abandoned and emptied, further confirming that its passengers had also been abducted. Eyewitnesses say the incident unfolded quickly, leaving little room for escape or resistance.

According to locals familiar with the area, gunmen believed to be operating from nearby forests emerged suddenly, blocking the highway and forcing vehicles to a halt. “They stopped a big bus and carried everyone inside. Then we later saw a Siena bus completely emptied; all the passengers were taken,” one distressed eyewitness recounted.

The exact number of victims is yet to be confirmed, but sources suggest that dozens of travellers may have been kidnapped in the coordinated attack.

The news has sent shockwaves through Benin City and surrounding communities. Families of travellers are frantically trying to reach loved ones, while residents expressed deep concern that this stretch of road has increasingly become a hotspot for violent crimes.

“This is heartbreaking. People can’t travel freely anymore. Government must act immediately,” a commuter lamented.

The incident adds to the growing insecurity across Edo highways. Recently, similar attacks were recorded along the Benin–Ore and Benin–Akure roads, where coordinated rescue efforts freed some abducted passengers. Despite police deployments and local vigilante patrols, criminals continue to exploit weak points along major roads.

At the time of filing this report, the Edo State Police Command has not released an official statement regarding the incident. However, security operatives and local vigilantes are believed to be mobilizing to comb the area in search of the abductors and their captives.

Watch video below;