Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have attacked a commercial bus along the Ore–Benin expressway, killing the driver and abducting several passengers.
The bus, reportedly operated by GUO Transport, was said to be travelling eastbound when it was ambushed by the assailants on a section of the highway notorious for criminal activities.
Sources said the attackers opened fire on the vehicle, fatally hitting the driver before forcibly taking away passengers to an unknown destination.
Although security agencies had yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report, eyewitness accounts and a viral video suggested that the victims were marched into nearby forests by the gunmen.
The Ore–Benin expressway, a major link between the South-West and South-South regions, has in recent times recorded a series of similar attacks, with kidnappers frequently targeting travellers for ransom.
Residents and road users have repeatedly raised concerns over the increasing spate of abductions along the corridor, attributing the trend to inadequate security patrols and the difficult terrain which provides cover for criminals.
The latest attack has further heightened fears among commuters, many of whom have called on the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen surveillance and deploy more personnel to the route to curb the menace.