By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

The Edo State Police Command says it has rescued 11 passengers abducted by armed hoodlums along the Benin-Lagos Expressway, while one driver was killed during the attack.

Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 11:55 p.m. on Dec. 20 at Isiuwa.

According to the source, an unknown gang first opened fire on the driver of an Audi car carrying plantains and two passengers. Another vehicle, a Toyota Hiace bus driven by Ubong Edet Okon, carrying ten passengers from Lagos to Akwa Ibom, was also attacked.

“The bandits took the passengers into the bush,” the source said.

He disclosed that police operatives were immediately mobilised to the scene, leading to the rescue of 11 victims.

The rescued include Alhaji Mustapha Urmar, Queen Ogbowan, Blessing Ofem, Gift Sunday, Asngua Adakama, Ime Edet, Abasi Okon Nduye, Blessing Augustine Akpan, Thomas Kollins, Happiness Moses, and Victoria Nkemie.

The source added that two passengers were still missing, while the injured driver of the Toyota Hiace was taken to Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

The body has been deposited in the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.

He said that combing and search operations were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the suspects.