Two traditional chiefs, five others arrested over Edo train attack

The Edo State Government has confirmed the arrest of two traditional chiefs in connection with the January 7 train attack.

Recall that 20 passengers were kidnapped during the attack at the Igueben train station.

The state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said seven other suspects were also arrested in connection with the incident, adding that two remaining passengers in captivity had been rescued by security agents.

He revealed this shortly after the state executive council meeting in Benin on Wednesday.

Nehikhare said, “The success story in the kidnapping is that five persons and two village chiefs have been arrested in connection with the incident and they are helping with investigations.”

When asked to give the names of the village chiefs, he said further details should be sought from the police.

However, the state police spokesman, Chidi Nwabuzor could not be reached for details as his phone was switched off.

But the Executive Director, Esan Youth for Good Governance and Social Justice, Benson Odia, told our correspondent that the chiefs were innocent, adding that their arrest had political undertone.