The remaining two kidnapped victims of the terrorist attack on train passengers at the Igueben train station on January 7 have been rescued.
Several others among the victims of kidnapping that followed the attack were earlier rescued. Six of the victims were rescued on January 6 while one was rescued a day later. On January 13, two more victims were rescued while 12 were said to have been rescued hours later.
The state’s Commissioner for Communications and Orientation, Chris Nehihkare, announced the development in a briefing after the state executive council meeting in Benin City on Wednesday. He added that seven suspects, including two traditional rulers, have been arrested in connection with the attack.
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“The success story in the kidnapping is that five persons and two village chiefs have been arrested in connection with the incident and they are helping with investigations,” Nehikhare said.
The Commissioner had on January 8, confirmed the incident, which was said to have involved 32 train passengers and staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
Confirming the development on Thursday, the NRC’s Deputy Director, Public Relations, Mahmood Yakub, in a statement, lauded security agencies for their role in the rescue operation. He however, did not say if ransom was paid.
“At this point, the NRC Board and Management highly appreciate the role, patience and cooperation of the families of the victims. We also wish to express our appreciation to the security agencies, State Government and all those who contributed in one way or the other towards the release of the harmless and innocent citizens for their efforts.
“This dastardly and wanton act of kidnapping innocent and law-abiding Nigerians is a display of cowardice that must be condemned and not to be tolerated in any guise as all hands must be on deck to ensure the Security of life and property of all Nigerians,” the statement read.
Edo State is among the states in Nigeria classified as hotbeds for insecurity, with kidnapping dominating the facets.
The backdrop has seen increased advocacy for improved security in the state. The House of Representatives on Wednesday, after offering a minute of silence for DSP Michael Adams, a police officer who lost his life during the rescue operation of Mrs Precious Aigbonog, who was abducted in Edo State, urged the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to deploy more Mobile Police personnel in Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo State. The House also urged the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General, Farouk Yahaya, and the IGP to set up a Nigeria Army barracks or a Forward Operating Base and a Police Mobile Force Base, respectively, within the district.
The issue came under consideration following the adoption of a motion moved by a member of the House from Edo State, Sergius Ogun. The motion titled ‘Need to Beef Up Security Formations in Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo State,’ was focused on insecurity in the state.
“The House is worried about the spate of kidnappings, armed robbery attacks and insecurity generally in the country, especially in Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo State, thus leading to the loss of lives and properties, and is causing palpable fear and apprehension among residents,” he said.
Following its deliberation, the House further mandated the Committees on Army and Police Affairs to ensure that its resolutions are complied with. The committees are expected to report back for further legislative action within four weeks.