Edo train attack: 31 passengers kidnapped, one suspect arrested ― Govt

The Edo State Government has confirmed that 31 intending passengers were kidnapped during the attack on Igueben train station in the state.

The Star had reported that the passengers were said to be waiting for a train from Igueben to Warri when the kidnappers struck, abducted the travellers, and left many injured on Saturday evening.

Speaking to newsmen on Sunday, the Edo State Commissioner of Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, disclosed that one abducted passenger escaped from the kidnappers, adding that the police had arrested one of the suspects.

Nehikhare said: “The kidnap is the most difficult occurrence in the state currently. A few armed men who came with vehicles at about 4 p.m. started shooting sporadically at the Igueben train station.

“They (gunmen) kidnapped 32 while many others were injured. They came with cars but took their victims into the bush on foot.

“The police in collaboration with the vigilante and hunters started combing the bush almost immediately.

“One suspect has been arrested and he is helping the police in their investigation.

“The deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, visited the scene of the crime this morning to have an on-the-spot assessment of what has happened.

“We are pleased to say that one suspect has been arrested. We congratulate the police and the Edo security network for the swiftness which they attended to the security breach.

“We sympathise with the families of the victims and hope that this is the last we will have such daring people invading government infrastructure,” the commissioner stated.

The Star