NEWS: TERRORISTS RELEASE 5 VICTIMS OF ABUJA-KADUNA TRAIN

The victims, alongside Tukur Mamu (3rd from left)

Another batch of five (5) persons who have been held hostages by terrorists in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack of March 28, have regained their freedom.

A report monitored on Channels Television, reveals that it is however not clear if any money was paid to the terrorists to release their abducted victims.

The Federal Government and its security agencies are yet to confirm the development. However, Mallam Tukur Mamu, publisher of Desert Herald and an associate of a prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dr Ahmad Gumi, told Channels Television that the victims were released on Tuesday.

Mamu, who is a member of the negotiating team gave the names of the five released hostages as Professor Mustapha Umar Imam, from the Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Akibu Lawal, Abubakar Ahmed, Rufai Mukthar Shu’aibu and Sidi Aminu Sharif.

According to the report, Mamu, who said that he played a prominent role in the release of the train victims, stated he has backed out due to threats to his life, personal integrity and lack of support from the Federal Government.

By this count, 37 victims of the Abuja-Kaduna have so far, regained their freedom while those still in captivity now stands at 35.

Recall that, armed gunmen had on March 28 blown up the rail track, killing some and abducting scores of passengers, a situation that called for serious concern about the safety of the nation’s trains.
Tuesday’s release is coming a few days after three other victims from the abducted Kaduna-bound train were freed by the terrorists.

The victims, who consist of two males and a female, secured their freedom around 11am on July 25, bringing succour to their respective families.

Channels Television gathered that they were released by the terrorists at a location inside the forest along the Kaduna–Abuja highway. From there, they were picked up by their relatives.

Worried about the situation, the Nigeria Railway Corporation temporarily suspended activities, with President Muhammadu Buhari directing security agencies to rescue the victims.

Penultimate week, the terrorists released a viral video where they were seen flogging their hostages. They also threatened to abduct President Buhari and Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. 

In its reaction to the threat hours after, the presidency had accused the insurgents of using propaganda to compel the government to yield to their demands.

In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said security forces are not helpless in stemming the tide of insecurity confronting the country.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Shehu said President Muhammadu Buhari has been supporting security agencies by boosting their morale and providing the needed equipment. (Channels TV)