31 people confirmed missing after Nigerian train terror attack

At least 31 potential passengers were kidnapped when terrorists attacked a train station in Nigeria’s south-south Edo state, an official said.

Edo State Communication and Guidance Commissioner Chris Nehikhare confirmed on Sunday that 31 intent passengers were abducted during the attack at the Igeben railway station.

The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reports that the passengers were said to be waiting for a 4pm train from Igueben to Warri when the terrorists attacked, firing sporadically, kidnapping passengers and leaving many injured.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that police previously said the attack was carried out by suspected “herders.”

Edo Commissioner Nehikhare told reporters in Benin that a kidnapped passenger escaped from the kidnappers, while police arrested one of the suspects.

He said the attack is the “most difficult” incident in Edo in recent times.

“Some armed men who came with vehicles at about 4 in the afternoon began to shoot sporadically at the Igueben train station; kidnapping 32 while many others were injured. They came in cars but took their victims on foot into the jungle,” NAN quoted Nehikhare as saying.

“The police, in collaboration with the watchman and the hunters, began combing the bush almost immediately.

“A suspect has been arrested and is assisting police in their investigation.

“The Lieutenant Governor, Philip Shaibu, visited the crime scene this morning to have an on-the-spot assessment of what happened.

“We are pleased to say that a suspect has been arrested. We congratulate the Edo police and security network for the speed with which they addressed the security breach,” Nehikhare said.

“The Edo State government stands in solidarity with the victims and hopes that this will be the last such incident to occur in the state,” he added.

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The Edo train attack occurred about 10 months after terrorists attacked a moving train in Kaduna, northwestern Nigeria. Some people were killed and dozens of other passengers were kidnapped in the Kaduna incident.

Some of the passengers spent months with the hijackers before being released after their relatives paid the ransom or after the government negotiated their release.