Unknown gunmen recently abducted a driver and 18 passengers from a Port Harcourt-bound bus operated by the Akwa Ibom State Transport Corporation. The abduction occurred last Wednesday near the Azumini boundary between Akwa Ibom and Abia states.

Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen ambushed the bus shortly after it departed from its Uyo terminal and was passing through Iwukem in the Etim Ekpo Local Council Area. They fired shots into the air before seizing the passengers and driver.

Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, confirmed the incident, stating, “The incident occurred along the Azumini area of the road after the Etim Ekpo Local Government Area. The police are currently monitoring the situation.”

The abduction has sparked concern and underscores ongoing security challenges in the region.