Panic has gripped commuters along the Benin–Ore Road after suspected kidnappers reportedly attacked a commercial bus allegedly belonging to GUO Transport and took away all passengers, leaving behind a scene of chaos and confusion.
The bus, said to be travelling to the eastern part of the country after departing Lagos, was found abandoned by the roadside with its doors flung open and passengers’ belongings strewn across the area.
Viral videos circulating online captured the aftermath, showing scattered bags, personal effects, and an eerily deserted vehicle, heightening fears of a mass abduction.
Witnesses recounted that armed men intercepted the vehicle and forcefully took passengers into nearby bushes.
According to accounts from individuals at the scene, the attackers operated swiftly, leaving little room for resistance. One unverified claim suggested that some soldiers were sighted in the vicinity at the time of the incident but did not intervene, a development that has sparked outrage and questions from members of the public.
The affected stretch of road has reportedly become notorious for criminal activities, particularly kidnappings, due to its dense vegetation and poor lighting conditions.
Residents and frequent road users say the area has long posed a security risk, with repeated calls for increased patrols and improved surveillance yielding little visible action.
“This is not the first time something like this is happening here. People are no longer safe travelling on this road, especially in the evening,” a social media user said.
As of the time of filing this report, there have been no confirmed rescue operations or official statements from security agencies regarding the incident.
The police have yet to provide details on the number of passengers involved or steps being taken to secure their release.
Similarly, GUO Transport Company, believed to be linked to the bus, has not issued any formal response, leaving families and the public in anxious anticipation.
The incident has further intensified concerns over the rising spate of insecurity on Nigeria’s highways, with citizens urging authorities to take urgent and decisive action.
Many have called for improved road security infrastructure, including better lighting, regular patrols, and the clearing of thick bushes along major routes to deter criminal activities.
Security experts warn that without immediate intervention, such incidents could continue to erode public confidence and threaten the safety of travellers across the country.
