About 18 passengers have been kidnapped along the Benin-Akure highway, near Obarenren village, Ovia North East local government area.

The kidnappers were said to have fired sporadically before taking their victims into the bush.

Spokesman for the Edo Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, who confirmed the abduction, said a joint security operation launched a manhunt for the abductors.

Ikoedem said massive bush combing led to the rescue of 11 victims.

She said efforts were underway to rescue other victims

According to her, “The incident happened last Saturday. The passengers were in an 18-seater Big Joe bus. We have been combing the bush in collaboration with the Nigerian Army.

“No arrest has been made yet.” (The Nation)