On January 7, 2023, thirty-two people were kidnapped by bandits at a train station in Yenagoa, Edo State, Nigeria. All were freed on January 17.

Prelude

Kidnapping for ransom is a common tactic used by gangs across Nigeria, although is usually relegated to the north of the country around Kaduna State.^[1] Edo State, in southern Nigeria, took legal measures to prevent kidnapping in the 2010s after several high-ranking judges were kidnapped, although kidnappings continued throughout the state at a lower level.^[2] In the run-up to the 2023 Nigerian presidential election, southern and southeastern Nigeria was embroiled in political violence, with Edo State consumed as well.^[3][4]

Kidnapping

The kidnappers came out of the bush near the train station around twenty minutes before a train headed to Warri was set to arrive.^[5] As they came out of the bush, the kidnappers shot into the air, injuring some civilians. They then abducted thirty-two people, including the station manager and clerk.^[6] Survivors blamed the lack of security at the station for the success of the attack.^[6] One woman managed to escape the kidnapping with her baby, and later two children abducted in the attack were dropped off at a nearby gas station with their parents contacted.^[6]

The Edo State police commissioner alleged the perpetrators to be Fulani herdsmen.^[6]

Aftermath

By January 17, all of the abductees had been rescued by Nigerian authorities. Two village chiefs and five kidnappers were arrested and charged for the kidnapping.^[7]

References