The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, visited the 12 kidnapped victims who had been rescued and assured them that every effort would be made to free the two hostages who were still being held captive after being kidnapped from the Igueben Train Station.
The governor paid a visit to the rescued victims who had been transferred to the Police Cottage Hospital in GRA, Benin City, for testing and rehabilitation following the rescue operation.
The governor praised the crack team made up of members of the Edo State Security Network and hunters from several state security organizations.
He stated that their bravery and tactfulness played a crucial role in the achievement attained.
Although the crack squad was able to free 12 of the victims, the kidnappers are still holding two more hostages. Nevertheless, the police capture a few of the kidnappers during the operation. They are currently being interrogated and helping the security team track down their colleagues
In response to the kidnapping attack at the Igueben train station in the Igueben Local Government Area, Obaseki urged the appropriate authorities to look into the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s (NRC) negligence.
He asked, “How will the corporation deploy just one policeman to guard the Igueben train station after they record a kidnapping incidence in Kaduna.
I must express our dissatisfaction with the administration of the Nigerian Railway Corporation because, in light of the Kaduna incident, one would have thought that they would have tightened up the security of their facilities. Six men entered their building to abduct victims. It is necessary to look into this.
“It doesn’t speak well of their readiness to manage a safe and successful railway system in Nigeria, and it doesn’t inspire confidence in the safety of Nigerians traveling by that means. You cannot tell me that only one police officer and one raffle are assigned to watch a facility like the Igueben train station, especially in light of the recent events in Kaduna.
“I think the corporation understands what it’s doing, and it should be looked into to make sure that similar occurrences don’t happen to other Nigerians ever again.”
The governor said that information had been used to indict certain local traditional leaders who had disregarded government orders against open grazing because they continued to house herders in their areas.
“According to information we have, certain traditional leaders in that region disobey and disrespect government decisions to forbid herders from grazing in their forests in an open manner.
“Since the crisis was caused by the traditional leaders harboring the herders, I have ordered an investigation into them, and anyone found to be doing so will face inquiries.
“According to information we have, certain traditional leaders in that region disobey and disrespect government decisions to forbid herders from open grazing in their forests.
“Since the crisis was caused by the traditional leaders harboring the herders, I have ordered an investigation into them, and anyone found to be doing so will face inquiries. Such incidents don’t occur in the communities that obeyed.
Obaseki responded, “No money was given for their release as our special forces engaged in the joint operation and overwhelmed the kidnappers and rescued 12 persons and the kidnappers fled away with two victims.
“As a state and a people, we are pleased that we were able to get the release of individuals who were abducted at the Igueben train station more than a week ago. It has been a very challenging situation as the might, will, and security system we put in place in Edo State have all been put to the test. We are happy that the system is resilient.
“Over the past week, we’ve been able to trace the kidnappers and confine them to specific locations, making sure they can’t escape. We were able to locate these criminals because to the technology infrastructure we have in place and the intelligence system we have at our disposal. Due to the special forces’ training, we were able to rescue and release 12 of the 14 hostages.
“We thank our security forces for the sleepless night and efforts put in place to rescue individuals kidnapped,” Obaseki said after commending the security personnel participating in the joint rescue operation. We are grateful to our security forces for this accomplishment since it gives us cause to celebrate, especially as we honor our armed forces.
According to Muhammed Dankwara, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, the kidnappers operated in the Ugboha and Udo forests, where special security personnel set up a week-long ambush for them.
He said the kidnappers were only able to flee with two victims after being stopped while trying to transport their hostages around that area.
He continued, “We are working to make sure those two are liberated,” We have detained some members of this kidnapping gang’s syndicate. They are in our custody. Initially, we rescued 10, and now that 12 have been rescued, there are only two captives left. We guarantee the people of Edo that we will rescue them.
Mr. Christian Iyere, one of the victims who was rescued, applauded the Edo State Government and all the security agencies for working to rescue them.
Aguele Betrice, a another victim, said the rescue effort was opportune since it saved their lives and relieved their families and loved ones of their agony.