FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Daredevil Gunmen have invaded the local train station at the sleepy town of Igueben, Edo State and whisked away several passengers who were waiting to board a train to Warri, Delta State.
A statement in Benin by the Edo State Police spokesman in Benin, Mr. Chidi Nwanbuzor explained that the incident which happened Saturday, January 7 at about 4pm resulted in the kidnap of unspecified numbers of passengers by the hoodlums who were heavily armed with AK 47 assault rifles.
Nwanbuzor, a deputy superintendent of police said that during the kidnap operation, the kidnappers who shot sporadically into the air before kidnapping their helpless and terrified victims left some persons with bullet wounds.
Determined to rescue the victims and arrest the fleeing kidnappers, he said that the police have commenced bush combing operation .
The Edo Police spokesman disclosed that the Area Commander Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, the Divisional Police Officer, Igueben Division have visited the scene of the crime with members of Edo State Security Network, local vigilante and local hunters in order to protect the lives and properties of the remaining passengers.
Igueben, the headquarters of Igueben Local Government Area is the hometown of former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi.