Suspected gunmen have reportedly kidnapped nine travellers in Oben, a border town between Edo and Delta states.
Sunday PUNCH learnt that the incident happened along Jesse-Oben Road on Friday night and had caused panic in the community.
A hunter, Mr Obehe Adika, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, said he heard gunshots and tyre-screeching sounds from the bush where he was hunting around 9pm.
He also claimed to have seen a Hilux van filled with gunmen, who attacked and kidnapped the passengers, who were in a Toyota Hiace bus heading to Delta State.
“I saw them (gunmen) dragging the people. They (gunmen) were about five or six. They carried the nine passengers and drove off in their van.
“Even the driver was not left out. Everyone was captured. I was the one who raised the alarm to the community head, who mobilised youths to begin a search, but they have not been found till now,” he added.
A yet-to-be-identified 24-year-old daughter of a newspaper vendor was reported to be among the victims.
The kidnappers were said to have contacted the unidentified distraught vendor, demanding a ransom of N10m.
Consequently, the vendor has appealed to the Governors of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his counterpart in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, to come to his aid, as he would not be able to raise the sum.
When contacted, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Edafe Bright, said on Saturday that the area where the incident happened was under the jurisdiction of the Edo State Police Command.
However, the Edo State PPRO, Chidi Nwabuzor, said the incident was being investigated, adding that the passengers would soon be rescued and the culprits apprehended.
