Relief swept through families and travellers on Saturday after the Edo State Police Command confirmed the rescue of the remaining passengers abducted during a deadly attack along the Benin-Lagos Road.
The victims were among passengers travelling in a commercial bus belonging to Young Shall Grow Motors when armed kidnappers reportedly ambushed the vehicle during the journey from Akwa Ibom State to Lagos.
Authorities confirmed that the remaining six kidnapped passengers were rescued alive and unharmed after security operatives intensified search operations across nearby forests.
The latest breakthrough came days after five passengers, including two adults and three children, were rescued during the earlier stage of the operation.
However, the attack turned tragic after a female passenger was reportedly shot by the armed hoodlums during the incident.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, all kidnapped victims linked to the attack have now regained freedom.
Meanwhile, security operatives reportedly carried out intense bush-combing operations around suspected hideouts used by the kidnappers.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, praised the efforts of officers involved in the rescue mission.
He commended the courage, commitment and resilience shown by the operatives throughout the operation.
Furthermore, the police command assured residents that security efforts across the state would continue until those responsible for the attack are arrested.
According to the statement, investigations and search operations remain active across affected areas linked to the crime.
Commercial drivers and transport operators have repeatedly called for stronger security presence along highways connecting southern states.
In addition, residents and travellers continue to demand tougher action against criminal gangs operating around forests and isolated road sections.
The latest rescue operation has therefore brought relief to affected families who feared for the safety of their loved ones after the attack.
Meanwhile, security agencies have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements around highways and rural communities.
Over the years, the Benin-Lagos Road has remained one of the busiest transport routes in southern Nigeria, connecting several commercial centres and states.
However, cases of robbery, kidnapping and armed attacks have continued to threaten safe movement along the highway.
