Gunmen Kill Two, Abduct 14 on Fugar–Agenebode Road in Edo State

Tragedy struck in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State on Friday when gunmen attacked commuters along the Fugar–Agenebode Road, killing two passengers and abducting 14 others.

According to the Edo State Police Command, the assailants ambushed vehicles by blocking the road and firing sporadically to force passengers into nearby bushes.

Police spokesperson Moses Yamu confirmed the incident in an official statement, revealing that security forces swiftly responded after receiving distress calls.

“A combined team of police operatives from Agenebode Division, local vigilantes, and hunters pursued the attackers into the forest,” Yamu said.

He disclosed that a fierce gun battle ensued between the security team and the kidnappers around Obe Hill, near the pipeline route to Ajaokuta, leading to the successful rescue of the abducted victims.

“The abducted 14 passengers were rescued alive after the exchange of gunshots,” Yamu stated.

However, the operation was not without casualties. A 12-year-old girl was fatally shot by the fleeing gunmen during the chaos, while one female victim remains missing as efforts continue to locate her.

The attack has heightened security concerns in Edo State, where residents have repeatedly raised alarms over highway kidnappings and armed violence. The police have assured the public that operations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and restore safety along the affected route.