.As NRC denies shutdown of Itapke-Warri station
The Federal Government, yesterday, described the kidnapping of train passengers at Tom Ikimi Train Station, Igueben in Edo State, as despicable and utterly barbaric.
This is contained in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, Henshaw Ogubike.
The statement reads in part: “The Public is hereby reassured that the security agencies are making efforts to rescue the kidnapped train passengers.
“The Nigeria Police is on the trail of the criminals and have mobilised with a view to protecting the lives and property of the remaining passengers.
“The government is saddened by this unpleasant development and assures its prompt response to the ugly situation. Further details will be communicated later.”
Some suspected herdsmen allegedly armed with AK 47 riffles attacked the Ekehen train station at Igueben, Edo State, on Saturday, and kidnapped some passengers waiting to board the train to Warri.
This is even as the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), dismissed reports of the suspension of train services on the Itakpe-Warri axis following an attack by gunmen on the train station.
The Managing Director of NRC, Fidet Okhiria, told journalists that the train services have not been suspended contrary to reports in several quarters.
He said: “The attack on the train passengers has not disrupted operations at the station.
“Let me assure Nigerians that the Corporation is working hard to ensure the safety of passengers.”
The Public is hereby reassured that the security agencies are making efforts to rescue the kidnapped train passengers.
