Suspected gunmen have reportedly kidnapped more than 12 persons along the Afuze-Ihievbe-Auchi road in Owan East Local Council of Edo State.

According to a viral video with a voice over, the suspected kidnappers took over the road in a commando style, hijacked a Sports Utility Van (SUV) marked: ML 320 Jeep with registration number AGD 542 GU, and drove the occupants into the bush.

It was also learnt from the video that another oncoming car, whose driver was lucky to have sighted the kidnappers, quickly parked while the occupants escaped into the bush.

The Guardian gathered that the victims, including a child of about nine years were kidnapped in a Toyota Sienna Space bus.

According to the source from Ihievbe, who spoke on condition of anonymity, two of the victims escaped from their abductors.

The source said members of vigilante groups in the area had combed the forests and bushes in the Warrake and other neigbouring communities to rescue the victims.

“Some of the ambushed passengers escaped, including a woman who could not take her nine-year-old daughter along.

“The vigilante from the Ihievbe- Auchi- Afuze area later trailed the kidnappers’ in the bush,” the source added.

In the viral video, three vehicles were said to be involved.

In the other vehicle with registration number Kogi LKJ 464 YE, nine persons were kidnapped, while the driver and occupants of the third vehicle escaped unhurt.

When contacted, spokesperson for Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, said he was not aware of the incident.