The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 11 passengers who were abducted by gunmen along the Benin–Akure Highway, while efforts continue to free the remaining seven victims.

The abduction occurred on Friday, December 12, around Obarenren village in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, when armed men ambushed a commercial vehicle belonging to a popular transport company and forcefully took all 18 occupants into the bush.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the attack was carried out at gunpoint and was immediately reported to security agencies. He explained that a coordinated rescue operation was launched without delay.

According to him, the Divisional Police Command in the area mobilised a joint security team comprising the police, the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes, and hunters to track the kidnappers through nearby forests and surrounding communities.

The sustained operation paid off on Sunday, when 11 of the abducted passengers were successfully rescued. The victims have since been reunited with their families and are receiving necessary support.

ASP Ikoedem said security operatives are still combing the area to secure the release of the remaining seven passengers and apprehend those responsible for the attack. He assured residents that the command is intensifying security measures across the state, especially as the festive season approaches.

He reiterated that Edo State will not be a safe haven for criminals and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies