Fear and panic gripped residents of Emure-Ile in Emure Local Government Area, Ekiti State, after gunmen ambushed a commercial bus transporting travellers from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Ado-Ekiti on Sunday night.
The heavily armed attackers dragged the passengers, including the driver, Mr. Sunday Emmanuel, into the bush, leaving behind some children whose cries attracted passersby early Monday morning.
A source at the Road Transport Employer Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) disclosed that the kidnappers have contacted the driver’s family, demanding a staggering N30 million ransom for each victim.
“They let me speak with the driver briefly before stating their demands,” the source said. “We’re still waiting for their next call.”
Security operatives are said to be combing the surrounding forests in search of the victims, while families remain gripped by fear as negotiations continue.
The incident highlights the growing insecurity along Nigerian highways and calls for intensified efforts to combat kidnapping and protect road users.