A yet-to-be-identified number of passengers awaiting a train ride at Igueben in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State to Warri in Delta State were reportedly kidnapped by suspected herdsmen armed with AK 47 rifle on Saturday evening.
This comes less than a year after kidnappers attacked a Kaduna bound train from Abuja, at a place called Katari in Kaduna State, and abducted scores of passengers, leaving many injured or dead.
Confirming the report, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, said the incident happened at about 4.00pm on Saturday afternoon.
The assailants were said to have shot indiscriminately, leading some of the passengers injured with bullet wounds before leading the kidnapped passengers into a bush.
Rescue operations have begun to ensure the safe return of those kidnapped, the police spokesman said.
“This is to inform the gentlemen of the press that today, 7th of January, 2023 at about 1600hrs, unspecified number of herdsmen 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 Edo State Security Network, local vigilante, and hunters with a view to protect 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 development will be communicated,” the statement read.
