The commissioner for communication in Edo, Chris Nehikhare, says intelligence report indicated that 20 people were kidnapped at the Igueben train station in Edo and not 32.

Mr Nehikhare stated this on Wednesday in Benin while giving an update on the incident.

He noted that seven of the kidnapped would-be train passengers had been rescued.

The kidnap victims were waiting for a 4:00 p.m. train from Igueben station to Warri when the kidnappers abducted them on Saturday.

“The kidnappers successfully kidnapped 20 persons at the Igueben train station and not 32 persons as previously said. Out of the 20 persons, seven have been rescued while 13 persons are still with the kidnappers,” said the commissioner.

He added, “The operation is still ongoing and we are confident that very soon, the ordeal of the innocent citizens will soon be over.”

Mr Nehikhare further mentioned that Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu had conversation with traditional rulers in the area on the consequences of harbouring kidnappers.

“If kidnappers are found residing or using any of the property in the community, such property would be forfeited to the state government and would be destroyed,” said the government official. “Also, if at any point those that use the facility were found to have killed any of their captive, owner of such facility would be charged for murder and prosecuted along with the perpetrators of the crime.”

According to him,, the deputy governor also told the traditional rulers to increase surveillance in their areas to prevent crime.

The commissioner advised the media to work with the information from the government and not from other sources for the safety of the family of the victims.

Mr Nehikhare stated that Governor Godwin Obaseki had assured the families of the abducted train passengers of safety and rescue soon.

(NAN)