***Action Despicable, Barbaric -FG
Several passengers were kidnapped by gunmen at the Igueben rail station in Edo State just a few months after the abducted victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train incident were freed, said our correspondent.
According to sources, the victims were abducted as they prepared to travel to Warri, Delta State, on a train from Igueben Rail Station in the Igueben Local Government area of Edo State.
Chidi Nwabuzor, the State Police Command’s spokesperson, confirmed the development in a statement and said that numerous other people had also been hurt in the incident.
Nwabuzor notes that the gunmen, who were fully armed with AK 47, invaded the train station and shot sporadically into the air before whisking away scores of intending travelers into the bush.
He however assures Nigerians that operatives are on the trail of the abductors to rescue the kidnaped victims.
“This is to inform the gentlemen of the press that today, 7th of January, 2023, at about 1600hrs, unspecified number of herdsmen armed with AK 47 riffles attacked the train station at Igueben, Edo State, and kidnapped unspecified number of passengers, who were waiting to board the train to Warri.
“The kidnappers, who shot sporadically into the air before kidnapping some passengers, left some persons with bullet wounds. The Area Commander Irrua, DPO Igueben Division and men, have visited the scene of the crime with members of the Edo State Security Network, local vigilantes, and hunters to protect the lives and properties of the remaining passengers.”
Nwazor called on the public to always be security conscious and also feed the police with necessary information on the whereabouts of the kidnappers.
He pledges to update the public details of further developments on the situation.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has condemned which it said took place at Tom Ikimi Train Station Igueben Edo State, describing it as despicable and utterly barbaric.
In a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike, the Director, Press and Public Relations, in the Ministry of Transportation, the Federal Government assured that security Agencies are making efforts to rescue the kidnapped Train passengers.
“The Public is hereby reassured that the security Agencies are making efforts to rescue the kidnapped Train passengers.
“The Nigerian Police is on the trail of the criminals and have mobilised with a view to protecting the lives and property of the remaining passengers.
“The Government is saddened by this unpleasant development and assures on its prompt response to the ugly situation” reads part of the statement.
