Scores of train passengers abducted in Edo

Scores of passengers from the Igueben train station have been kidnapped by gunmen in Edo State.

It was gathered that the victims were mostly passengers waiting to board the Itakpe-Warri train when they were abducted by gunmen on Saturday.

The incident was confirmed via a statement issued on Saturday night by the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, noting that a yet-to-be-identified number of passengers sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.

Nwabuzor, who said the casualties figures have yet to be ascertained, disclosed that gunmen who came with AK 47 riffles invaded the train station on Saturday evening and shot sporadically into the air before abducting scores of intending travellers.

The police police spokesperson said: “This is to inform the gentlemen of the press that today, 7th of January, 2023 at about 1600hrs, men armed with AK 47 riffles attacked the train station at Igueben, Edo State and kidnapped unspecified number of passengers who were waiting to board the train to Warri.

“The kidnappers who shot sporadically into the air before kidnapping some passengers left some persons with bullet wounds.

“The Area Commander Irrua, DPO Igueben Division, and men have visited the scene of crime with members of the Edo State Security Network, local vigilantes, and hunters with a view to protecting the lives and property of the remaining passengers.

“Bush combing operations have commenced in order to rescue the victims and arrest the fleeing kidnappers. Further developments will be communicated,” he stated.

The latest attack is coming barely about nine months after the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train.

The Star