Edo attack: Last two captives freed, two village chiefs, five others arrested

The last two kidnap victims of Edo train station attack have regained their freedom, the state government said on Wednesday.

It said seven persons, including two village chiefs, had been arrested over the train attack and abduction that occurred at a train station in the state on January 07, 2023.

Gunmen had invaded the train station in the Igueben LGA of Edo State and kidnapped some passengers waiting to board a train to Warri, Delta State.

At least 30 people were reportedly kidnapped, but Chris Nehikhare, the state’s commissioner for communication and orientation, later said an intelligence report showed that 20 persons were abducted.

Many of the travellers also sustained injuries from gunshots fired by the attackers.

Earlier, the state police command said 18 abductees had been rescued.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, in Benin, the state’s capital, Nehikhare said security agents had rescued the two remaining passengers in captivity.

He also said seven suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.

“The success story in the kidnapping is that five persons and two village chiefs have been arrested in connection with the incident and they are helping with investigations,” he said.