Train attack: Nine victims so far rescued, 11 still with abductors-- Edo Govt

By Editor

Jan 13, 2023

Igueben train station attack

Edo State Government on Friday said two more victims of the last Saturday's Igueben train station attack in the state have been rescued by security. 

Chris Nehikhare, the state commissioner for communication and orientation made the disclosure at a press briefing during  the update of the kidnappings in the state . 

Nehikhare said the rescue of the additional victims  brings  the total victims so far rescued from the incident to nine. 

He said a total of eleven persons are currently at the abductors's den. 

The commissioner also confirmed the rescue of Precious Aigbonoga, president of the Igueben Customary Court from her abductors as well as the death of one DSP Adams Michael, a police officer who participated at the rescue operations. 

The commissioner, who refuted the earlier reports of the media  that the police officer was killed during a gun battle with the kidnappers said he died a natural death. 

He said the information was obtained from the authorities of the Edo State police command. 

He said the late police officer attached to the state anti-kidnapping squad was a 34-year-old from Balyesa and married with two children.

According to him, I was disturbed when I read from the media that one DSP Adams Michael, attached to the Edo State Police command anti-kidnapping squad that took part at the rescue operation of a customary court judge was killed by gunshot. 

"I am here to correct that report that it was not true. He was one of those that led that operation and after the successful operation, he died through natural causes. 

"He was not shot by bullets and he didn't died at the scene of the operation. He was not fell by the bullets of the kidnappers", he said. 

Nehikhare further explained that the customary court judge was rescued unhurt and didn't  sustain any gunshot nor hospitalized at any hospital in the state. 

"I also want to say that the rescued president of the Igueben customary court, Mrs Precious Aigbonoga was rescued unhurt. She was not shot nor received any gunshot injury. She is also not in any hospital receiving treatment. She had since reunited with her family", he added.

While commending security agencies for their bravery that led to the rescue of the judge, he disclosed that the deputy state governor, Philip Shaibu had since led heads of security agencies in the state and some top government functionaries for a condolences visit to the late police officer widow. 

He assured that the state government will make the state uncomfortable for kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements if they refused to leave the state at their own volition.