Actual Number Of Abductees In Edo Train Clarified By Commissioner Of Communication; Some Victims Rescued

The Edo State Commissioner of Communication, Chris Nehikhare, has clarified the number of people kidnapped during an attack on a train station in the state.

Nehikhare provided an update on the incident on January 11, stating that an intelligence report had shown that 20 people, not 32, had been taken from the state’s Igueben train station.

The commissioner also disclosed that seven of the victims have been rescued.

He 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.”

Nehikhare also revealed that Phillip Shaibu, the state’s deputy governor, has already discussed the repercussions of harbouring kidnappers with local traditional leaders.

He added: “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.”

The commissioner pleaded with the media to use the information provided by the government and not by outside sources for the sake of the victims’ families’ safety.

Recall that terrorists hijacked a train going to Kaduna from Abuja on March 28, 2022, after exploding its rail track.

During the attack, nine people were killed, several were injured, and over 62 passengers were abducted.

Some abductees had to pay as much as N100 million per person to the terrorist to secure their release.