Kidnapping on Sobe–Benin Road: Gunmen Open Fire, Abduct Passengers in Edo
A chilling incident unfolded last week on the Sobe–Benin road in Owan West, Edo State. An unidentified group of gunmen targeted an 18-seater bus, shooting the driver and abducting numerous passengers—including students—before vanishing into nearby bushes.
What Happened
The assailants reportedly lay in wait and launched their attack as the bus approached. After fatally shooting the driver, they took advantage of the commotion to abduct the occupants, leaving the victim bleeding by the roadside.
Ransom Demand Stirs Alarm
The kidnappers have contacted the families of the victims, demanding a staggering ₦15 million from each passenger for their release. The urgency and scale of the ransom request have sent shockwaves through local communities.
A Social Media Rescuer
In the tense aftermath, social media lit up with praise for “Verydarkman” (VDM), a well-known influencer. Though details remain murky, online sources credit VDM with damaging the kidnappers’ ranks and getting the driver rushed to the hospital—offering a rare dose of hope amid tragedy.
Why This Story Matters
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Security Concerns Intensified: The incident underscores the fragility of safety on rural roads, especially for public transport and students.
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Economic Impact of Ransom: ₦15 million per victim is exorbitantly high—raising concerns over how families will cope amid widespread financial hardship.
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Power of Digital Solidarity: The viral praise for the influencer-turned-rescuer highlights how social media figures can be pivotal in community crises.
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