Scores of train passengers abducted in Edo, NRC shuts Ekehan Station indefinitely

Scores of passengers waiting to board
a train at Ekehen Station in Igueben, Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State, to Warri, Delta State, have been kidnapped by terrorists.
The abduction happened in a commando style on Saturday evening.

The incident came about 10 months after the March 28, 2022 attack by terrorists on the Abuja-Kaduna train, resulting in the death of about 12 passengers while more than 60 others were abducted.
Billions of Naira in cash were collected by the terrorists before the passengers were released months later.
The Edo State Police Command, on Saturday, confirmed the abduction.
The Command, in a statement by its spokesman, Chidi Nwabuzor, about 9.55pm, stated that the incident happened about 4pm.
The terrorists, who were armed with AK 47 rifles, invaded the train station and shot sporadically into the air before herding unspecified number of intending travellers into the bush.

Some of the passengers were shot.
Those who escaped with injury have been admitted in hospitals.
The Command declared that bush combing and rescue operations had begun to rescue those who were kidnapped.
The text of the statement reads:
“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 rifles 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 hunter 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 PPRO stated.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), on Sunday, announced the closure of Ekehen Station in Edo State till further notice.
The organisation said the decision became necessary following rising security challenges.
A public announcement by the NRC posted on the passengers’ WhatsApp Group said the closure was “till further notice.”
The statement reads, “Public Announcement: This is to inform our general public and most especially our esteemed passengers, that Ekehen Station has been temporarily closed due to security issues, till further notice.”

Another notice reads, “Due to the incident at Ekehen Station on Saturday, WITS 01/ 02 will no longer stop at Ekehen Station. Please advise our customers”.