Passenger Bus Hijacked By Kidnappers

A passenger bus conveying passengers from Warri to Lagos was on Wednesday morning hijacked along the popular Lagos-Benin-Ore road holding the passengers on board hostage. The passengers were among occupants of a Greener Line space wagon Siena bus travelling from Warri, Delta State to Lagos.

It was learnt that the kidnappers barricaded the Benin-Lagos road, by Ogbemudia farms with a truck, and the bus driver on sighting the barricade, slowed down.

Moments later, gun-wielding men emerged from the bush and took the passengers hostage, after allowing the driver and one passenger to go and give information of the incident.

One of the victims who lives in Lagos, was said to be returning to Lagos after a naming ceremony of his new-born baby in Warri.

The father of the victim, a retired army colonel, told our correspondent that the kidnappers had made contact and demanded N3 million ransom to set his son free.  

He pleaded with the kidnappers to release his son unhurt, saying that it was difficult for the family to raise the amount they demanded.

When contacted, Edo State Police Command acting Public Relations Officer, Mr. Awhara Ejiroro, said he was yet to be briefed of the incident.

by Vincent Egunyanga