Crimes

Edo train attack: We’ve not won war against insecurity ― Tinubu

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, says Saturday’s attack on the Igueben train station in Edo State was a reminder that Nigeria has not completely won the war against insecurity in the country.

Tinubu said the attack which led to the abduction of 31 train passengers was a reminder that there are still some “agents of darkness lurking around the corner”.

The Star had reported that the passengers were waiting for a train from Igueben in the Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State to Warri when the kidnappers struck, abducted the travellers, and left many injured on Saturday evening.

The Edo State Government, on Monday, said six out of the 31 victims kidnapped during the attack have been rescued, adding that two suspects on the wanted list of the police have been arrested.

Speaking on the incident via a statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, the APC presidential standard-bearer described the abduction of the intending train passengers as another sad episode in the security challenges bedevilling the country.

Tinubu, however, said Nigeria would prevail against the agents of darkness.

He sympathised with the victims who are still held captive by the assailants and urged the Federal Government, Edo State Government, and local authorities to work with the security agencies on quick action to secure the release of all the victims.

Tinubu added that one of the reasons he is vying for the presidency “is to improve on security situation and tackle every form of insecurity” in Nigeria.

The former governor of Lagos State stated: “I condemn the mindless attack and abduction of innocent train passengers in Edo State by terrorists on Saturday. From available information, the security agencies are working hard to rescue the victims. I urge more collaborative efforts by the Federal Government, Edo State Government and other local authorities on quick rescue of all the victims.

“This occurrence is a sad reminder that we have not completely won the war against insecurity and that there are still some agents of darkness lurking around the corner. But I want to assure Nigerians we will win this war. Evil will not prevail over our country because of our strong determination to exterminate the dark forces everywhere they manifest.

“One of the reasons I am running for the presidency is to improve on security situation and tackle every form of insecurity in our country. We have a clear plan to end violent crimes and terrorism through our Anti-Terrorism Battalion Forces, investment in more security hardware and surveillance technology that will make our streets, neighbourhood and forests saver for socio-economic activities to thrive and bloom.

“I commend the rescue efforts of the security agencies that have led to the arrest of some of the terrorists. Nigeria shall overcome.”

The Star