Suspected kidnappers have killed a commercial bus driver and abducted an unspecified number of passengers during an attack along a highway in southern Nigeria.
It was gathered that the bus was travelling from Lagos State to the eastern part of the country on Sunday when armed men opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to stop before whisking away occupants into a nearby bush.
A viral video circulating online showed the aftermath of the attack, with an eyewitness narrating how the incident unfolded.
The narrator said, “The kidnappers shot and killed the driver. They also took passengers into the bush. I don’t know the number, but it looks like the entire bus was taken.”
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said security operatives have launched a search-and-rescue operation for the victims.
She explained that the attack occurred within the jurisdiction of the Iguobazuwa Police Division and assured that efforts were underway to track down the attackers.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed adjoining divisions to join in bush-combing efforts to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators,” she said.
Ikoedem added that additional operations have been deployed along the highway to strengthen security and prevent further attacks in the area.
