Three killed as gunmen abduct 14 passengers in Edo

Sunday, July 13, 2025 - Gunmen k!lled thr bee passengers including a 12-year-old girl and abducted 14 other commuters on Fugar–Agenebode Road, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

It was gathered that the gunmen blocked the road on Friday, July 11, 2025, shooting sporadically before whisking the victims into the forest.

The spokesperson of the State Police Command, CSP Moses Joel Iyamu, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, said a combined team of police operatives from Agenebode, local vigilantes, and hunters rescued the abducted passengers after a fierce gun battle. 

“On 11/07/2025 at about 1920hrs, upon receiving a distress call that armed men blocked the Fugar-Agenebode road, Etsako East Local Government Area, the Command immediately mobilised a combined team of police operatives from Agenebode, local vigilantes, and hunters who responded swiftly and pursued the assailants into the forest,” the statement read. 

"During the encounter, a gun duel ensued along Obe Hill by pipeline leading to Ajaokuta, the security team successfully rescued fourteen (14) kidnapped passengers alive. 

"Unfortunately, a 12-year-old girl was fatally shot by the fleeing kidnappers during the crossfire. One female victim is still unaccounted for, and search efforts are ongoing to ensure her safe rescue.

"This follows the report that armed men suspected to be kidnappers ambushed and blocked the highway, opened fire on unsuspecting commuters, k!lling two persons on the spot and abducting others in a brazen act of violence.

"The Commissioner of Police, Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc commended the bravery and swift response of the combined security team and has assured the public that everything possible is being done to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

"The Command extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the general public that operations in the area have been intensified. Additional deployments have been made to prevent further attacks and track down the fleeing criminals.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement, and continue to provide timely information that can aid ongoing investigations and security operations.”