The Edo state government has announced the rescue of 12 more victims from last Saturday’s train station attack in Igueben.
Chris Osa Nehikhare, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation made this known in a statement released on Sunday.
Nehikhare stated that the victims were rescued in a joint operation by security agencies. He said while the government is working towards rescuing the remaining two victims, several kidnap suspects were arrested and are helping the with actionable information. According to the Commissioner, “The Edo State Government is pleased to announce that 12 of the remaining 14 kidnapped victims from the Igueben Train Station attack have been rescued by a combined team of security operatives.
“The victims were rescued when the security team tracked and intercepted the abductors in their hideout. The security operatives were tactful in their approach to ensure that no life was lost in the operation. During the encounter with the abductors, 12 of the victims were rescued, while some of the kidnappers were arrested. However, a few of the kidnappers escaped with 2 of the hostages. The security team is getting the needed support and encouragement to ensure the rescue of the two remaining victims.
“Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, who has been on top of the situation since the unfortunate incident occurred, has visited the 12 rescued kidnapped victims and reassured that government will leave no stone unturned in securing the release of the 2 remaining hostages.
“The governor visited the rescued victims at the Police Cottage Hospital in GRA, Benin City, where they had been taken for tests and rehabilitation after the rescue operation. The governor was joined on the visit by heads of security agencies and other government functionaries.
“The governor hailed the crack team made up of various security agencies in the state, hunters, and members of the Edo State Security Network, noting that their gallantry and tactfulness proved instrumental to the success recorded.
“The Edo State Government assures families of the two remaining abductees that it will deploy the full apparatus of the state to ensure their release.
“The government also reassures all residents that it is committed to the protection of lives and property in Edo.”
