Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed a bus driver and abducted an unspecified number of passengers in Edo State, police have confirmed.
The commercial bus was travelling from Lagos towards the eastern part of the country when it came under heavy gunfire, forcing it to a halt.
A video that went viral captured the aftermath of the incident, with an unidentified narrator alleging that the attackers opened fire on the vehicle before dragging passengers away.
“The kidnappers shot and killed the driver. They also took passengers into the bush. I don’t know the number but it looks more like the entire bus were kidnapped,” the narrator said.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident, adding that a manhunt had been launched for the suspects.
She said the incident occurred in the Iguobazuwa Police Division area.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed adjoining divisions to join in the bush combing efforts to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators,” Ikoedem added.
She said operations were also ongoing to improve safety along the highway.
