JUST IN: 18 passengers abducted on Nigerian highway

Eighteen passengers travelling on the Benin-Auchi Highway aboard the newly launched Edo Line transport service were kidnapped on Friday in Edo State.

The victims, who were reportedly Abuja-bound, were forced into the bush by armed kidnappers before operatives of the Nigerian Police arrived at the scene.

A viral video from the incident showed a long queue of vehicles stranded on both sides of the expressway.

As of the time of filing this report, the abductors were yet to establish contact or demand ransom.

Confirming the incident on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Edo State Command, SP Moses Iyamu, disclosed that 16 of the 18 abducted passengers had been rescued.

He further stated that police operatives have intensified search-and-rescue operations in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters to ensure the safe release of the remaining two passengers still in captivity.