From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Gunmen struck on Friday along the Fugar–Agenebode Road in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, killing two passengers and abducting 14 others in a brazen daylight attack.
The assailants reportedly blocked the busy route and opened fire indiscriminately, causing chaos and forcing several commuters into the bush at gunpoint.
However, swift intervention by a combined team of police operatives from Agenebode Division, local vigilantes, and hunters led to the rescue of the abducted victims.
Spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday made available to Salient Times News, He said the joint security team trailed the attackers into the forest, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire along Obe Hill near the pipeline axis heading towards Ajaokuta.
“Fourteen abducted passengers were rescued alive following the gun duel,” Yamu said.
Tragically, a 12-year-old girl was fatally shot by the fleeing kidnappers during the rescue operation, while one female passenger remains unaccounted for at the time of filing this report.
The police have intensified search efforts to locate the missing victim and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Edo State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the nearest security formation.
