Edo Train Kidnap: Two Traditional Rulers, Five Others In Police Net Over , As Last Two Victims Regain Freedom
By Simeon OSAJIE
Two traditional rulers from Edo Central Senatorial district of the State and five other suspects are in police net over their alleged involvement in Ikekhen, Igueben Train Station where 20 train passengers reportedly waiting to board at the train station heading to Warri, Delta State were declared abducted by kidnappers on 7th January, 2023.
Recall that unspecified train passengers reportedly waiting to board at the train station in Igueben, Edo State, heading to Warri, Delta State were declared abducted by suspected kidnappers.
In a press briefing in Benin City, Edo State capital, the State Commissioner of Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Osa Nehikhare said the seven suspects including two traditional rulers from Edo Central Senatorial District are currently undergoing interrogation at the State Police Command headquarters, Benin City.
According to Nehikhare who did not mention the names of the two traditional rulers said, “We are pleased to announce that the last two remaining victims of the Ikekhen, Igueben Train Station have been rescued. Seven suspects including two traditional rulers from Edo Central Senatorial District are currently in police custody undergoing interrogation at the State Police Command Headquarters, Benin City.
It would be recalled that upon his return to Benin City on Sunday, Governor Godwin Obaseki had blamed the Federal Government for not providing adequate security at the train station in spite of the Abuja- Kaduna train incident during which scores of passengers were kidnapped and spent months in captivity before they were set free by their captors.
Governor Obaseki also blamed the tradition rulers in the locality for not being vigilante enough.
The state government had earlier warned that it would wield the big stick against any traditional rulers who haboured criminal element in his domain.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed source said the two traditional rulers said to be involved in the kidnapping business in Edo Central Senatorial District are that of Igueben and Udo.
