The Edo State government on Monday disclosed the rescue of six of the 31 passengers kidnapped in Saturday’s train attack by herdsmen at the train station in Igueben, Igueben Local Government Area, while waiting to board a train to Warri, Delta State.
The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation in Edo State, Chris Nehikhare, in a statement on Monday, indicated that some of the kidnapped victims have been rescued. The six rescued victims include 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. The commissioner declared that “Operation Bush Combing continues.”
The statement read:
“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.
“As events unfold in the bushes, be assured that we will keep you posted and we crave the support of all stakeholders, particularly the media to stay with the facts and avoid sensational reports that could further inflict emotional pain on the families and friends of the victims who are already in distress.
“Operation Bush Combing continues.”
Signed:
Chris Osa Nehikhare,
Hon. Commissioner for Communication and Orientation