Long-distance luxury and minibus transport company, GUO Transport Co, has confirmed that one of its Hiace buses that left Lagos on Friday for Abuja, was attacked by bandits who killed the driver and abducted the passengers.
GUO Transport said in a statement that the gunmen struck at about 3 pm and took the passengers to an unknown destination while a three-year-old girl was later rescued at the scene.
The statement further read, “The unfortunate incident occurred at about 3:15PM on Friday, February 9, 2024, along Ikare-Akoko axis of the Akure expressway.
“The kidnappers ambushed and attacked oncoming vehicles, and amongst which was one of Hiace buses from Lagos with passengers onboard.
“This event led to the death of our driver at the crime scene while our passengers are believed to have been held hostage and led into the bush. A child of about three years old was rescued from the scene and handed over to the military personnel on ground while the family have been contacted.”
The company appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts at making the highways safe again, even as it assured that it is cooperating with the relevant security agencies towards finding a solution to the hostage situation.
“Our prayers are with those directly or indirectly affected by this unfortunate incident. While we empathize with the family of our slain driver and families of our kidnapped passengers, we are cooperating with security agencies to ensure a quick and safe release or rescue of our passengers.
“We appreciate the payers, advice, understanding and support of the security agencies, our staff, our passengers, and the public at this critical moment. “
