At Edo State Government has confirmed the arrest of two village heads in connection with the 7 January terror attack on the railway station in the country.
The government said the terrorists had kidnapped 20 people waiting to board a train at the Igueben train station.
The state’s Commissioner for Communications and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said this while briefing journalists shortly after the state’s Executive Council meeting in Benin on Wednesday.
Mr. Nehikhare said seven other suspects had also been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that the two passengers who were still in captivity had also been rescued by security agents.
“The success story in the abduction is that five people and two village chiefs have been arrested in connection with the incident and helped in the investigation,” he said.
Police in Edo said the attack was carried out by “herdsmen”.
The state government initially said 31 people are missing after the attack, which led to kill from the railway station.
An outbreak of Lassa fever
Speaking on the outbreak of Lassa fever in the country, Mr. Nehikhare said the Federal Government and its agencies have failed to mobilize them to the country despite all calls for help from the government.
READ ALSO: Nigerian security forces rescue two more victims of Edo train attack
“Over 50 people have been infected with Lassa fever since the outbreak in the country. We have a mortality rate of five percent which is very high, compared to COVID-19.
“All appeals and requests to the federal government have been rejected.
“We are limited in our reach World Health Organization and other international agencies to intervene in infectious diseases in our country.
“We have written a letter to the Ministry of Health, the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and everyone involved in the disease issue to come and help us fight this disease, but unfortunately they are not willing to help us,” he said.
Nigeria recorded 178 deaths of Lassa fever in 2022.
(AT)
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