Suspected herdsmen who struck at the Igueben train station in Edo State and kidnapped no fewer than 31 passengers on Saturday have reportedly demanded for N620 million for the release of the victims.
The Executive Director, Esan Youth for Good Governance and Social Justice, Comrade Benson Odia who confirmed the development said the kidnappers had made contact with some families of the kidnap victims and demanded N20 million for each victim.
Odia said the demand was absurd, just as he called on the authorities to intensify efforts in rescuing the abducted persons that are still being held captive.
He said, “I can tell you that the kidnappers have demanded N20 million, totalling N620 million.
“This is absurd and I don’t know where poor people will be able to raise that amount of money.”
Odia also said the Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria were at the train station in Igueben to assess the situation.
He said the authorities promised to engage the use of helicopter on Tuesday in an effort to locate where the victims were kept in the bush.
The kidnap victims were waiting to board a train to Warri in Delta State when suspected herdsmen invaded the station and abducted the intending travellers.
