KEY POINTS

• Gunmen attacked a bus on the Benin–Lagos road, killed the driver.
• The victim’s widowed mother says kidnappers are demanding ₦50 million ransom.
• Nigerians have started donating, while calls grow for better security on highways.

A sad and frightening incident has taken place along the Benin–Lagos Expressway after gunmen attacked a GUO passenger bus and kidnapped several people.

The victims were travelling in an 18-seater GUO Transport bus when the attackers struck. During the attack, the driver was reportedly killed, while some passengers were dragged into the nearby bush by the kidnappers.

One of those taken from the GUO bus is a young woman identified as Christiana.

Mother’s Emotional Cry Breaks Hearts

What has touched many people is the painful cry of Christiana’s mother, whose video has gone viral online.

In the video, the woman, who said she is a widow, begged Nigerians for help, saying she cannot afford the huge ransom placed on her daughter.

According to her, the kidnappers demanded ₦50 million for Christiana’s release. She said she tried to beg them to accept ₦10 million instead, but they have not responded.

Speaking in tears, she said: “They kidnapped my child on the road and asked me to bring ₦50 million. I don’t have that kind of money. I’m begging them to take ₦10 million. Please help me.”

The situation has become more serious as the kidnappers reportedly gave a deadline for payment. This has left the family in fear and confusion.

The woman explained that since her husband died, she has been the only one taking care of her children. She said she feels lost and does not know where to turn for help.

“I am a widow. My daughter has no father. Please help me. I don’t know what to do,” she cried.

Following the viral video, a bank account believed to belong to the woman has been shared online. Many Nigerians are now trying to support her by sending donations.

However, there has been no official statement from the police at the time of this report, as calls and messages to the spokesperson were not answered.

This incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of travellers, especially along the Benin–Lagos road, which has seen repeated attacks.

Many residents and transport operators are now calling on the government and security agencies to increase patrol and protect people using the highways.