Train attack: 20 persons kidnapped not 32, Edo govt clarifies

A new information has emerged showing that the actual number of kidnapped passengers at Tom Ikimi train station in Igueben local government area last Saturday is 20 as against 32 as previously reported .

The Edo State Government said that a new and ascertained information indicated that 20 people were actually kidnapped by the gunmen and not the 32 figure earlier reported.

This is just as the state government announced that out of the 20, only 13 people are still held in captivity as seven others have been rescued by the joint operation of security operatives

Chris Osa Nehikhare, Commissioner for communication and Orientation, who made the clarifications at a press conference in Benin on Wednesday, assured that efforts have been intensified to see to the rescue of the remaining victims.

He further said that the Deputy Governor of Edo, Mr. Phillip Shaibu, had conversation with traditional rulers in the locality on the consequences of harbouring kidnappers.

He advised the media to work with the information from the government and not from other sources for the safety of the family of the victims.

The commissioner stated that Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo had assured the families of the abducted train passengers of safety and rescue soon.

The Nigeria Railway Corporation also announced closure of Ekehen Station in Edo State till further notice

Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said “At the moment, security personnel made up of the military and the police as well as men of the vigilante network and hunters are intensifying search-and-rescue operations in reasonable radius to rescue the kidnap victims.