The Edo State Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika, has announced the rescue of 13 people who were kidnapped by gunmen along the busy Benin-Ore Expressway.

Reports say the incident happened on Saturday afternoon close to Ekhiadolor when armed men stopped a commercial bus, shot the driver, and took away all the passengers into the forest.

The driver, who was badly injured, was left behind by the kidnappers. He was later taken to a hospital in Benin City, where doctors confirmed he is responding well to treatment.

Right after the attack, police officers launched a massive operation to track down the criminals. Special tactical teams, surveillance drones, and other advanced equipment were deployed into the surrounding bushes to search for the kidnappers.

Giving an update on the incident, Commissioner Agbonika confirmed that all the kidnapped passengers had been rescued safely without harm.

“We have secured the release of every victim. None of them was hurt. From the very first day, our men have been on the field using drones and technology to trace the suspects,” he explained.

Although the victims are now safe, Agbonika noted that the manhunt for the gunmen is still ongoing and police will not rest until the criminals are caught.