Kidnap Victims Freed After Highway Attack on Benin-Auchi Road

Sixteen people abducted along the Benin-Auchi highway in Edo State have been rescued, police say.

The passengers were taken into nearby forests on Friday afternoon after armed men attacked vehicles, including a bus and a Toyota Corolla. Video footage from the scene showed abandoned cars and lorries parked on the road, as motorists debated whether it was safe to continue their journey.

Police confirmed on Saturday that a joint operation with vigilantes and hunters secured the release of 16 hostages. Authorities say efforts are continuing to trace others who remain missing.

The incident caused traffic disruption for hours, and raising concern the growing security risks on one of southern Nigeria’s busiest highways.