The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the release of all passengers abducted at the Chief Tom Ikimi Railway Station Ekehen, in Igueben, Edo State.
On Saturday morning, January 7, 2023, some gunmen attacked the Edo train station before abducting 32 passengers and taking them to a nearby forest.
In a statement on Thursday, January 19, NRC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Mahmood Yakub said all the abducted passengers have regained their freedom and released to their respective families.
Yakub was, however, silent about ransom payment and the statement indicated that none of the victims was hurt or injured during their period of captivity and release.
He said, “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 statement read.
The NRC Management advised all communities residing along the railway corridors to be security conscious by reporting any suspicious movement that is likely to cause a 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 of keeping our society safe and protecting the Federal Government’s critical infrastructure constructed in their community for their socio-economic and other benefits.
NRC assured it will continue to support the security agencies towards improved efforts at protecting the NRC’s facilities and installations including the stations, trains, track, and especially the passengers for the continuous use and safety of our esteemed Passengers.
This comes a few days after a retired police officer, a nursing mother and her baby, as well as two minors, were rescued from the gunmen who attacked the Edo train station.
