- Report by Kamil Opeyemi
An unspecified number of passengers have been reportedly kidnapped at a train station in Edo State.
NPO Reports learnt that the attack took place at the Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State late Saturday.
It was gathered that passengers waiting for the train at the Igueben Train station came under attacks as the gunmen struck in the evening leading a stampede where those who escaped the kidnappers were injured.
Chidi Nwabuzor, Edo State Public Relations Officer of the Police confirmed the incident but could not give details further.
It was learnt that the Governor, Godwin Obaseki has given a matching order for the police to hunt the kidnappers.
This is coming about 9 months after gunmen had on March 28, 2022 attacked moving train which headed to Kaduna from Abuja, killing some and abducting many other passengers.
Many of the passengers spent months in captivity while many others paid heavy ransom for their freedom.
Nwabuzor said the abductors, armed with AK 47, invaded the train station and shot sporadically into the air before abducting scores of intending travellers into the bush.
The Command added that many of the passengers sustained bullet wounds, assuring that operatives were on the trail of the abductors with an aim to rescue those the kidnap victims herded into the bush.
“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 crime with members of the Edo State Security Network, local vigilantes, and hunters with a view to protecting the lives and property of the remaining passengers.
“Bush combing operations have commenced in order to rescue the victims and arrest the fleeing kidnappers. Further developments will be communicated,” Nwabuzor stated.