No fewer than 31 persons were kidnapped following an attack at Igueben train station in Iguben local government in Edo state, OduNews reports.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, on Saturday night, read: “This is to inform the gentlemen of the press that today, January 7, 2023, at about 1600hrs, unspecified number of herdsmen armed with AK 47 rifles attacked the train station at Igueben, Edo State and kidnapped unspecified number of passengers who were waiting to board the train to Warri.
“The kidnappers, who shot sporadically into the air before kidnapping some passengers, left some persons with bullet wounds.
“The Area Commander Irrua, DPO Igueben Division, and men have visited the scene of crime with members of the Edo State Security Network, local vigilante and hunters with a view to protecting the life and property of the remaining passengers.
“Bush combing operations have commenced to rescue the victims and arrest the fleeing kidnappers. Further development will be communicated.” Giving further clarification on the incident, yesterday, Edo State Commissioner for Communications and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said security operatives arrested one of the suspected kidnappers.
During a press briefing in Benin City, Nehikhare disclosed that one of the 31 abducted persons had escaped from the kidnappers. He said: “After 31 persons were kidnapped, the police, vigilante and local hunters swung into action, combing the bushes around the vicinity. One of the kidnapped victims was able to escape.”
He said Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, had visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and “was told that one of the suspects was arrested and he has been helping the police with investigation to arrest other fleeing members of the kidnapping gang.
“We congratulate the police and other security agencies for their swiftness in attending to the security brief. We appreciate the local hunters and members of the Edo State Security Network, as their collaboration assisted in this operation. This synergy led to the success recorded in a very short time.
“We hope this is the last time we will have such an attack on government infrastructure, especially train stations, here, in Edo State. Our security network was swift to react to the incident and we condole with the families of victims. We will give necessary support to the security agencies, vigilantes and local hunters who are on the trail of these kidnappers.”
ONE eyewitness, Comrade Odia Benson, was reported as saying: “As I speak, people are in the field all over the place…vigilantes, security agencies and other people. Everybody is concerned. But we have to be careful with what we divulge, so that we won’t jeopardise the processes we are doing.
“As for the category of people kidnapped, some of them are from Igueben, while others are passengers from other places.” He said: “The train normally arrives by 5:00 p.m. At about 20 minutes to five, bandits came through the bush path and invaded the place. They took away the station manager, took away the booking clerk and about 29 other passengers made up of males and females.
“The deputy governor left the place about an hour ago. The Commissioner of Police and his men are here. The 4 Brigade Nigerian Army Commander is here. The Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) is here, and many paramilitary representatives.
“The DPO Igueben and his men, the Esan Akatakpa Security network, and the hunters’ association have been in the forest. We are hoping that by the end of today (yesterday), they will be rescued.”
