On Saturday, January 7, 2023, gunmen stormed the train station in Igueben, Igueben local Government Area, and kidnapped 32 passengers en route to Warri, Delta State.
The kidnappers contacted the family on Monday, January 9, 2023, according to Daily Trust.
However, Edo state Command spokesperson SP Chidi Nwanbuzor stated that he is unaware of the kidnappers’ demand.
Meanwhile, security agents, along with hunters and vigilantes, have rescued six of the victims, including three minors.
Chris Nehikhare, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, confirmed this in a statement issued on Monday, January 9, 2023.
According to him, among those released are a 65-year-old man, a nursing mother with her baby, a 6-year-old girl, and two siblings, ages two and five.
The statement reads in part: “Following the directive from Governor Godwin Obaseki that the kidnappers that attacked the train in Igueben on Saturday be smoked out of their hiding and the persons abducted be rescued, we are happy to announce that six (6) persons have been rescued.
“The six persons are a 65-year-old man, a nursing mother with her baby, a 6-year-old girl, and two siblings; aged two and five years old.
“We commend the efforts of the rescue team in the bushes and their support staff that have been working tirelessly since the incident occurred to ensure the kidnapped passengers are rescued and reunited with their families.
“We are confident that the other victims will be rescued soon as the highly motivated security personnel are in high spirits and have doubled down on the hot chase of the kidnappers.”
The commissioner also urged the media to avoid sensational reports that could exacerbate the emotional distress of the victims’ families and friends.
