The Edo State Government on Wednesday said that the two remaining Igueben Train Station kidnap victims have been rescued, while two village chiefs and five others have been arrested in connection with the crime.
Over 20 passengers and two Nigeria Railway Corporation staff were abducted on January 7 when gunmen attack Igueben train station in Edo Central.
Speaking shortly after the state executive council meeting, state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehi-khare, disclosed that seven other suspects had also been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that two remaining passengers in captivity had also been rescued by security agents.
He said that the state government would ensure the safety of it citizens by providing adequate security and making the state uncomfortable for criminals.
He said, “We are pleased to announce that the last two victims have been rescued and seven suspects are in custody including two village chiefs. We thank the press for the support they have given in the last few weeks.
“The Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government is ready to provide adequate security and make the state uncomfortable for criminal.”
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.
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