Gummen ambush Abia-bound bus, abduct driver, 18 passengers in Rivers

Last Wednesday, an unsettling incident unfolded at the Azumini border area, marking the abduction of all 19 individuals aboard a bus en route to Port Harcourt.

The bus, which included passengers and the driver, fell victim to unknown gunmen who intercepted and hijacked it, our correspondent has learned.

The area in question serves as a boundary between Akwa Ibom and Abia states.

The bus, which started its journey in Uyo, was ambushed by kidnappers in the Azumini area, after passing through Iwukem in Atim Ekpo Local Council Area.

A source, who requested anonymity, revealed that the gunmen forced the bus to stop by firing shots into the air, and then additional attackers emerged from the bushes, joining the initial gunman in a hail of bullets.

The source added that all the passengers were ordered to come out of the vehicle or be killed if they did not oblige.

“The driver was the first person to come down. Other passengers were ordered to follow suit immediately. The kidnappers moved all of them to the bush and escaped with them. The whereabouts of the passengers are not known for now,” the source said.

ASP Timfon John, the Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the incident while speaking with journalists on Monday, said the police were still monitoring the situation.

“That incident happened along the Azumini area of the road after the Atim Ekpo Local Government Area. All I can say is that the police are still monitoring the situation now,” the PPRO said.