Edo Police Command Initiates Manhunt and Rescue Mission Following Fatal Ambush on Lagos to Benin Highway

Edo State Police launch a rescue operation for three passengers kidnapped on the Ore-Benin Road following a fatal ambush that left the bus driver dead.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 10:44 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Guardian Newspapers

A Violent Disruption on a Major Transit Route

Security forces in Edo State have mobilized an intensive rescue mission following a deadly assault on a commercial vehicle along the Lagos to Benin Expressway. The attack took place on April 18 at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the Iguobazuwa axis, a notorious stretch of the Ore to Benin corridor. According to an official statement from Police Public Relations Officer ASP Eno Ikoedem, a bus carrying six passengers was targeted by armed assailants suspected to be members of a kidnapping syndicate.

Casualties and Emergency Medical Response

The ambush claimed the life of the vehicle's driver, whose body has since been recovered and deposited at a hospital mortuary. During the confrontation, a female passenger sustained gunshot wounds but was successfully rescued by responding police operatives. She is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and is reported to be responding to treatment. The vehicle involved, a GUO Transport Company bus with registration number FA 280 YJ, was recovered at the scene for further forensic examination.

Coordinated Search Efforts in Adjoining Forests

Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika has issued a directive for a rigorous and coordinated search operation involving multiple divisions and area commanders along the affected axis. The command has instructed all units stationed near the Ore to Benin boundary forests to conduct an exhaustive sweep of the area. This tactical response aims to locate the three missing passengers who were forcibly taken into the thick forest cover by the attackers during the chaos of the ambush.