Driver and 18 Passengers Abducted on Rivers-bound Bus

The driver and 18 passengers of a Port Harcourt-bound Akwa Ibom State Transport Corporation bus were abducted last Wednesday by unidentified gunmen, as reported by NIGERIANEWS247 on Monday.

According to gathered information, the incident occurred along the Azumini boundary between Akwa Ibom and Abia states. The bus had departed from its Uyo terminal and was en route, passing through Iwukem in Etim Ekpo Local Council Area, when the gunmen intercepted it in the Azumini area.

An anonymous source recounted that the gunmen halted the bus by firing shots into the air. They then emerged from the bushes and threatened the passengers and driver to disembark.

“The driver was the first to step out, followed by all the passengers. They were then forcefully taken into the bush by the kidnappers who subsequently disappeared with them. Their current whereabouts remain unknown,” the source disclosed.

Confirming the incident, Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer ASP Timfon John informed journalists on Monday that the police are actively monitoring the situation.

“The abduction took place along the Azumini area after the Etim Ekpo Local Government Area. We are closely monitoring the situation,” said the PPRO.