With 12 out of 14 remaining kidnapped victims from last Saturday’s train station attack in Igueben, Edo State, the Edo Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has threatened to deal with traditional rulers who still give land to herdsmen for grazing.
The 12 were rescued on Saturday night by a Special Force of soldiers, policemen, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), local vigilance members, and hunters.
It was initially thought that 32 persons were abducted from the train station in Igueben, but government later put the figure at 21.
Said Obaseki on Sunday, January after visiting the rescued victims at the Police Cottage Hospital in Benin City: “I visited 12 rescued kidnapped victims, who were abducted from the Igueben Train Station in the state, assuring that we will leave no stone unturned in securing the release of the two remaining hostages,” he said.
“In the last week, with the intelligence system at our disposal and the technological support we have in place, we were able to track the criminals. With the training of our special forces, we were able to rescue and release 12 out of 14 victims still in captivity.
“We are happy as a state and people that we have been able to secure the release of those kidnapped at the Igueben train Station over a week ago.
“We thank our security forces for the sleepless nights and efforts put in place to rescue persons kidnapped. We appreciate them for this achievement as we have something to rejoice about especially as we celebrate our armed forces.”
“We must also express our disappointment at the authorities of the Nigerian Railway Corporation because, after the Kaduna incident, we expect that they will secure their facilities better.
“For six men to have come into their facility, I think it is something that has to be investigated. It doesn’t speak well of their preparedness to run an efficient rail system in this country and it doesn’t give Nigerians the confidence that they will be safe using that mode of transportation.”
On his part, the State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dankwara, also told journalists: “I am pleased to inform you that on Saturday at about 10pm, the joint security forces in Edo State in a concerted effort to rescue the abducted victims of the Igueben Train Station attack, stormed Ughboa forest in a joint operation, through a technical intelligence provided to the command and control intelligence rapid response squad, and rescued 12 victims unhurt,” the stated.
“They are as follows: Eunice Eseba (56 years), Marian Mowoe (28 years), Faith Smart (42 years), Precious Egwuje (28 years), Obehi Omaben (39 years) and Amm Benson (42 years).
“Others are Favour Akungo (18 years), Akhimen Ehiemamen (48 years), Christian iyere (33 years), Emmanuel Esieba (67 years), Iyoha Julius (25 years) and Aguelle Beatrice (42 years).
“This brings to 18 the number of victims rescued while two others who are staff members of the Nigeria Railway Cooperation are still being held captive by the kidnappers. Meanwhile, operation and synergy continue to ensure the remaining two are rescued.”