Edo Train Attack: Rescued Victims Applaud Security Operatives, Recounts Ordeal

Some rescued victims of the Igueben train station kidnap in Edo State on Monday applauded the efforts of security operatives in ensuring their freedom from their captors.

According to them, they were grateful for the efforts of the state government in fighting for their freedom for them to return back to their families.

Naija News reports that some of the rescued victims recounted their ordeal to Vanguard at the Police Cottage Hospital, where they were taken for tests and rehabilitation.

It was gathered that the victims revealed how a combined team of security operatives led the operation that rescued them.

Naija News reported on January 10 that the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, deployed police special squads, including the Intelligence Response Team and Anti-Terrorism Squad to rescue the victims of the train attack in Edo State.

It was learned that the squads deployed from Force Headquarters would complement the efforts of the state Police Command.

According to Vanguard, a senior police officer said: “The IG has deployed the IRT and the anti-terrorism squad to Edo from Force headquarters. But the security agencies should have taken pre-emptive measures by deploying armed agents around the stations.”

Narrating how they were freed by security operatives, one of the victims identified as Christian Iyere said “We appreciate the state government and all the security agencies, who worked to ensure our rescue. The eight days we spent in captivity were not easy.”

Another victim identified as Aguele Beatrice, who was also rescued along with 11 others, said “We were rescued by the security from the forest. The rescue operation was timely, as it saved our lives. It has also ensured that our families and loved ones are free from trauma.”

It would be recalled that gunmen abducted 31 passengers on Saturday at Tom Ikimi train stations in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo state.

According to reports, the abductors allegedly demanded N620m ransom for their release, while presenting their demands to the families of the abductees.

This platform understands that two of the abductees are still held hostage by the abductors who escaped the raid of their camp by security operatives.