FG condemns Edo train attack, assures of prompt response

The Federal Government has described the kidnapping of train passengers at Tom Ikimi train station, Igueben in Edo state, as an ugly situation that would be responded to promptly.

The Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, Henshaw Ogubike, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Igueben, the headquarters of Igueben local government area is the hometown of Tom Ikimi, former minister of foreign affairs.

The station which was formerly Igueben – Ekehen train station, Edo state, was re-named Tom Ikimi/Ekehen station in 2020 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The public is hereby reassured that the security agencies are making efforts to rescue the kidnapped train passengers.

“The Nigerian police are on the trail of the criminals and have mobilised with a view to protecting the lives and property of the remaining passengers.

“The government is saddened by this unpleasant development and assures its prompt response to the ugly situation.

“Further details will be communicated later,” the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Ogubike to have said.

On Saturday, the Edo police command confirmed the attack on a train station in the state.

According to the police, travellers were waiting to board a train from the Igueben station to Warri in Delta state, when they were kidnapped by the suspected herdsmen on Saturday evening.