Edo state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has berated the authorities of the Nigeria Railway Corporation NRC) whom he said failed to provide adequate security at the various train stations after the Kaduna incident.
Obaseki said it was worrisome that the Igueben train station only has one policeman with one rifle guarding the facility.
The governor disclosed this in Benin City shortly after visiting the rescued victims at the Police Cottage Hospital where they had been taken for tests and rehabilitation.
According to him, “After the Kaduna incident, you would have expected that they (NRC) would secure their facility better.
“And for gunmen to have come into their facilities and kidnapped almost 30 people is something that has to be investigated as it doesn’t give confidence to the people that they would be safe using their facilities.”
Continuing, Obaseki disclosed that 12 of the 14 remaining victims of the Igueben train station kidnapping incident have been rescued by a combined team of security operatives on Friday.
He hailed the combine security team in the state, hunters and members of the Edo State Security Network for the success recorded.
The governor said the victims were rescued when the security team tracked and intercepted the kidnappers in their hideout, saying security operatives were tactful in their approach to ensure that no life was lost in the operation.
On his part, the State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Dankwara, said the 12 victims were rescued in Ugboha while two staff of the station are still held captive.
He said the 12 rescued victims bring the figure to 18, the total numbers of victims so far rescued, adding that some people who are part of the kidnapping syndicate have been arrested.
The rescued victims according to the CP are: Eunice Eseba 56, Marian Mowoe 28, Faith Smart 42, Precious Egwuje 28, Obehi Omaben 39.
Others include: Amm Benson 42, Favour Akungo18, Akhimen Ehiemamen 48y, Christian iyere 33, Emmanuel Esieba 67, lyoha Julius 25, Aguelle Beatrice 42.
On January 7, gunmen invaded Igueben train station and abducted scores of passengers waiting to board a train to Warri, Delta state.
