Contrary to its earlier update on victims of a train station attack in Igueben, the Edo state government on Wednesday made a u-turn, declaring that only 20 persons were abducted during the incident.
Gunmen on Saturday invaded Igueben train station and abducted unspecified number of passengers who were waiting to board a train to Delta State.
The State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikare, in an update on Sunday said 32 persons were taken away by the Invaders, noting that one of the victims escaped.
Nehikare maintained similar position in an update of the incident on Monday.
However, the Commissioner who addressed Journalists in Benin City on Wednesday said: “From intelligence report, only 20 persons were kidnapped during the attack”.
He said seven of the victims have been successfully rescued, adding that “13 persons are now in captivity”.
According to him, “the rescue operation is still ongoing. We are confidence that very soon, the ordeal of innocent citizens will soon be over”.
Nehikare further stated that Hon. Philip Shaibu, the State deputy governor has held a meeting with the traditional ruler in the area, and warned that any property used in harbouring kidnappers would be forfeited to the State governor.
He quoted the deputy governor as “charging the traditional rulers to sit up and increase surveillance in their area, so as to nip crimes in the bud”.
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