Abducted Edo train passengers will be released soon, Obaseki asures families

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the train passengers that were abducted on Saturday in Igueben, Igueben Local Government Area of the state will be released soon.

The Governor’s assurance was conveyed through the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, in Benin City.

Nehikhare said: “Our Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, spoke with me this morning to share the latest information on the efforts being made by the military, police and personnel drawn from other security agencies, including the vigilante and hunters who know the bushes like their backyards to ensure the kidnapped passengers are released soon.

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“The Governor has provided the needed logistics support of the various security agencies that are combing the bushes, small settlements, forests and everywhere around the place of the incident to smoke out the kidnappers.

“Governor Obaseki has mandated his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, to coordinate the operation,” Nehikhare added.

The governor urged citizens to remain calm and pass any useful information to his office or the security agencies.

Meanwhile, a retired police officer, a nursing mother and her baby, as well as two minors, have been rescued from among the 32 passengers abducted from Igueben train station, in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State.

The victims were waiting to board a train to Warri in Delta State when they were abducted Saturday afternoon by gunmen.

The victims were rescued by a combined team of security agents including the local vigilante and hunters. It was also learnt that one of the kidnappers had been arrested by security operatives.

The spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, SP Chidi Nwanbuzor, who also confirmed the rescue of the victims, said it was made possible in collaboration with other security agencies.