Suspected kidnappers have attacked a commercial bus operated by GUO Transport along the Ore–Benin expressway, killing the driver and abducting several passengers in a brazen assault that highlights growing insecurity on Nigeria’s highways.
According to reports, the gunmen ambushed the east-bound vehicle and opened fire on the driver, who died on the spot. The attackers then forced passengers out of the bus and whisked them away to an unknown destination.
The incident reportedly occurred along a notorious stretch of the Ore–Benin road, a key corridor linking the South-West and South-South regions, which has long been plagued by banditry and abductions.
Although security agencies are yet to issue an official statement, local sources and a viral video suggest the victims were marched into nearby forests — a method commonly used by kidnapping syndicates operating in the area. In previous cases, victims have often been released only after ransom payments.
The latest attack adds to a series of violent incidents along the highway, reinforcing concerns over the safety of travelers. Security analysts have attributed the persistent attacks to inadequate patrols, challenging terrain, and the strategic importance of the route for interregional movement.
The development has further fueled public frustration, with many Nigerians calling for increased security presence, improved surveillance, and more coordinated efforts by law enforcement agencies to tackle the menace of highway kidnappings.
