The Itakpe-Warri rail line which connects the Ekehen Train Station in Edo State
Edo train attack: NRC confirms all abducted passengers freed
Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that all the remaining passengers abducted by terrorists at the Ekekhen train station, also known as the Tom Ikimi Train Station, in Igueben local government area of Edo State, have been freed.
This is also as the corporation assured that it will continue to support security agencies towards improving efforts at protecting its facilities and safety of passengers.
Deputy Director, Public Relations of NRC, Malam Mahmod Yakubu, who made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos, Thursday, said the Board and Management of the NRC had confirmed that the persons abducted at the Igueben train station had all regained freedom.
Yakubu recalled that the attack took place on January 7, 2023, at Chief Tom Ikimi Railway Station Ekekhen in Igueben, Edo and said all abducted passengers had been released to their families., describing the achievement as ‘highly commendable, since none of the victims was hurt or injured during their period of captivity and release.’
“At this point, the NRC Board and Management highly appreciate the role, patience and cooperation of the families of the victims.
“We also wish to express our appreciation to the security agencies, State Government and all those who contributed in one way or the other towards the release of the harmless and innocent citizens for their efforts.
“This dastardly and wanton act of kidnapping innocent and law-abiding Nigerians is a display of cowardice that must be condemned and not to be tolerated in any guise as all hands must be on deck to ensure the Security of life and property of all Nigerians.
“The NRC Management enjoins all communities residing along the Railway corridors to be security conscious by reporting any suspicious movement that is likely to cause breach of peace within their locality, to the nearest security agency or their community vigilante for quick intervention, as this is the surest way and means.
“Reporting to security agencies will help in keeping our society safe and protecting the Federal Government’s critical infrastructure constructed in their community for their socio-economic and other benefits,” Yakubu said.
While initial report by the police and state government claimed that 32 persons were abducted by the gunmen, the figure was later adjusted to 20.
Seven passengers were recovered in the same week, including toddlers abandoned by the gunmen in the forests for their parent to claim, while one abducted victim escaped same penultimate Saturday from the attackers.
