Edo State map, train
By Our Reporter
The Ekehen Station in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State has been closed indefinitely by the Nigerian Railway Cooperation (NRC), after gunmen attacked the train station.
This was announced in a public announcement by the NRC which was posted on the passengers’ WhatsApp Group and and obtained by The Punch. It stated that the decision became necessary following rising security challenges.
The statement reads, “Public Announcement: This is to inform our general public and most especially our esteemed passengers, that Ekehen Station has been temporarily closed due to security issues, till further notice.”
Another notice reads, “Due to the incident at Ekehen station on Saturday, WITS 01/ 02 will no longer stop at Ekehen Station. Please advise our customers.”
NATIONAL WAVES had reported that several passengers were abducted from the train station on Saturday.
It was learnt that the gunmen attacked the victims while they were waiting to board a train to Warri in Delta State.
The police in Edo State earlier confirmed that several passengers were abducted from the train station.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Chidi Nwabuzor, in a statement said it was unclear if anyone was killed in the incident but that some travellers sustained gunshot wounds.
He said the abductors, armed with AK 47s, invaded the train station on Saturday evening and shot sporadically into the air before abducting scores of intending travellers.
He said, “This is to inform the gentlemen of the press that today, 7th of January, 2023 at about 1600hrs, men armed with AK 47 rifles attacked the train station at Igueben, Edo State and kidnapped an unspecified number of passengers who were waiting to board the train to Warri.
“The kidnappers who shot sporadically into the air before kidnapping some passengers left some persons with bullet wounds. The Area Commander Irrua, DPO Igueben Division, and men have visited the scene of crime with members of the Edo State Security Network, local vigilantes, and hunters with a view to protecting the lives and property of the remaining passengers.”
“Bush combing operations have commenced in order to rescue the victims and arrest the fleeing kidnappers. Further developments will be communicated,” he added.
