The Federal Government has described the kidnapping of train passengers at Tom Ikimi train station, Igueben in Edo state, as an ugly situation that would be responded to promptly.
Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT), Henshaw Ogubike, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
The Edo State Police command confirmed the attack on the train station, which it said was carried out by persons suspected to be herdsmen on Saturday. The passengers were waiting for a 4p.m. train from Igueben to Warri when the terrorists struck, shooting sporadically, abducting passengers and leaving many injured.
The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, on Sunday confirmed that 31 intending passengers were abducted during the attack.
Nehikhare, told reporters in Benin that one abducted passenger escaped from the kidnappers, while the police had arrested one of the suspects.
However, FMOT spokesman Henshaw Ogubike assured the public that security agencies were making efforts to rescue the kidnapped train passengers.
“The Nigerian police are on the trail of the criminals and have mobilised with a view to protecting the lives and property of the remaining passengers. The government is saddened by this unpleasant development and assures its prompt response to the ugly situation. Further details will be communicated later,” he said.
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