Gunmen abduct 18-seater bus with passengers in Delta

By MICHAEL OLADAPO, Asaba

Over 10 persons have reportedly been abducted by unidentified gunmen along Warri-Ughelli Expressway, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.

INDEPENDENT gathered that the incident occurred in the wee hours of Wednesday between Ekreravwen Junction and Umvwiamuge-Agbarho Junction near the Urhobo House, Agbarho.

It was gathered that the gunmen alleged took over a section of the road heading towards Warri from Ughelli as they kidnapped passengers of a Toyota Hiace bus.

It was revealed that the armed men who were numbering over eight started shooting sporadically at incoming buses as they fled with their captives.

Also, one person was said to have sustained gun wound as a commercial bus belonging to Agofure Motors was said to have ran into the attack.

It was also learnt that gunmen were said to have contacted a family member of one of the victims in the late hours of Thursday.

When contacted Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the incident.

She mentioned that a rescue operation had already  began to free the abducted persons.

She said, “The police cannot ascertain how many persons were kidnapped. The kidnappers have only made call to one person (one woman’s husband). Several persons were kidnapped but we don’t know the number for now”.

“Right from the time the incident happened, our men have been in the bush trying to rescue the victims. The kidnappers were repelled by the Dragon Patrol team on the highway. If not, it would have been worse that what it is.

“We don’t know if anybody was killed. But one wounded person was rescued.” (Daily Independent)