Edo Government Confirms the Kidnapping of over 30 passengers

Joy Mmereole Okoli

The Edo state government has confirmed the kidnapping of over 30 passengers waiting to board a train from Tom Ikimi Train Station to Warri, Delta State by Fulani herdsmen who stormed the railway station at Igueben, Edo State on Saturday, January 7th, 2023.

The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare disclosed this while visiting the scene of the attack.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police spokesman, Mr. Chidi Nwanbuzor, who broke the news of the incident is yet to give an update on the latest development.

Nehikhare said in Benin on Sunday that the Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Phillips Shaibu visited the Igueben Train Station for an on-the-spot assessment of rescue efforts just as he announced that one of the suspected kidnappers has been arrested.

The Edo State Government spokesman said that out of the 32 kidnap victims, one managed to escape from the den of the kidnappers, deep in the forest.

The commissioner disclosed that a combined team of military, police, vigilante, and local hunters are hot on the heels of the suspected kidnappers with a view to rescuing the victims.

“At the moment, security personnel made up of the military and the police as well as men of the vigilante network and hunters are intensifying search and rescue operations in reasonable radius to rescue the kidnap victims.

” As at 3 pm Sunday, one suspect has been captured and is helping police with their investigation.

“One victim out of the 32 people kidnapped escaped from the hands of the abductors. We are confident that the other victims will be rescued in the coming hours, he said.”

While confirming the government’s determination to ensure the prompt release of the hostages, he appealed for calm and urged citizens to assist security personnel with information on suspicious movements in and around their neighborhoods, particularly in the area where the rescue operation is taking place.

However, the federal government has condemned in strong terms what it described as the despicable and utterly barbaric kidnapping of passengers at Tom Ikimi Train Station Igueben Edo State.

In a release by the transportation ministry, the government reassured that the security agencies are making efforts to rescue the kidnapped Train passengers.

“The Nigerian Police is on the trail of the criminals and have mobilised with a view to protecting the lives and property of the remaining passengers.

“The Government is saddened by this unpleasant development and assures of its prompt response to the ugly situation” the terse statement concluded.