All 13 passengers abducted during an attack on a commercial bus in Edo State have been rescued unhurt, police said on Saturday.

The incident occurred on 9 May along the Benin–Lagos Road near Ogua Community, when armed men targeted a Young Shall Grow Motors bus travelling from Akwa Ibom to Lagos with one female passenger shot during the attack.

According to the Edo State Police Command, it launched immediate rescue and bush-combing operations after the incident. 

Five passengers, two adults and three children were freed on the same day. 

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A further two were rescued on 10 May following a gun duel with the suspects, with officers using drones, aerial surveillance and intelligence-led policing.

On 11 May, police announced that the remaining six passengers had also been freed and were unharmed.

Commissioner of Police (CP) Monday Agbonika praised the officers involved and said operations to apprehend those responsible were continuing.

"The Command is not relenting in its efforts," he said, adding that intensive bush-combing exercises were ongoing in the area.