A suspect who was allegedly linked to the kidnap of passengers from the Igueben train station in Edo state, South South Zone of Nigeria, has been apprehended by Police authorities.
Recall that on Saturday January 7, some armed gunmen stormed the Igueben train station and shot sporadically in the air, leaving intending passengers and railway staff to scamper for safety. According to reports, 32 persons were abducted while 8 others were killed.
Speaking on the horrific incident that occurred, the state commissioner for communication and orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said while 32 passengers were abducted, one passenger managed to escape but five others have so far been rescued.
According to Daily Trust, Nehikhare revealed that a suspect has been arrested and is now being questioned by the authorities. He said;
“Five persons have been rescued so far. The kidnappers were forced to release the minors who they felt couldn’t move fast due to the intensity of the security operatives, especially the hunters who were in the bush.
“The kidnap is the most difficult occurrence in the state currently. Few armed men who came with vehicles at about 4pm started shooting sporadically at the Igueben train station.
“Kidnapping 32 while many others were injured. They came with cars but took their victims into the bush on foot.
“The police in collaboration with the vigilante and hunters started combing the bush almost immediately. One suspect has been arrested and he is helping the police in their investigation.
“The deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, visited the scene of the crime this morning to have an on-the-spot assessment of what has happened.
“We are pleased to say that one suspect has been arrested. We congratulate the police and the Edo security network for the swiftness which they attended to the security breech.
“We sympathise with the families of the victims and hope that this is the last we will have such daring people invading government infrastructure.”
The attack led to the indefinite suspension of train service on the route.