Commissioner Gives Update On Edo Train Attack

The commissioner for communication in Edo State, Chris Nehikhare on Wednesday revealed the number of people abducted in the attack on the Igueben train station.

Nehikhare while giving an update on the incident said intelligence report has shown that twenty people were kidnapped in the attack.

There had been reports that thirty-two people were kidnapped during the attack on the train station on Saturday.

Nehikhare, however, during a media briefing in Benin, the Edo capital on Wednesday gave an update on the incident.

According to the commissioner, seven people from those abducted in the attack have been rescued.

Nehikhare said, “The kidnappers successfully kidnapped 20 persons at the Igueben train station and not 32 persons as previously said.

“Out of the 20 persons, seven have been rescued while 13 persons are still with the kidnappers.

“The operation is ongoing and we are confident that very soon, the ordeal of the innocent citizens will soon be over.”

The Commissioner disclosed that the deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu had a conversation with traditional rulers in the locality on the consequences of harbouring kidnappers.

He said, “If kidnappers are found residing or using any of the property in the community, such property would be forfeited to the state government and would be destroyed.

“Also, if at any point, those that use the facility were found to have killed any of their captives, the owner of such facility would be charged with murder and prosecuted along with the perpetrators of the crime.

“The deputy governor also told the traditional rulers to increase surveillance in their areas to prevent crime.”

He called on the media to work with the state government and not from other sources for the safety of the family of the victims.

The commissioner also said Godwin Obaseki, the Edo governor, has assured the families of the abductees of the safe rescue of the victims.