On Tuesday, no fewer than five hostages who were taken on March 28 aboard an Abuja-Kaduna train were reportedly released by the terrorists who have held them in captivity since then.
Africa Today News, New York could however not confirm if any money was paid to the terrorists as ransom to release their abducted victims.
Similarly, the security agencies and the Federal Government are yet to officially confirm the development, but a member of the negotiating team, Tukur Mamu told reporters on Wednesday that the victims have been freed.
He gave the names of the five released hostages as Professor Mustapha Umar Imam, who is a medical doctor at Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Akibu Lawal, Abubakar Ahmed Rufai Mukthar Shu’aibu and Sidi Aminu Sharif.
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.
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Africa Today News, New York reports that so far, 37 victims have regained their freedom. The number of those still in captivity now stands at 35.
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 the abducted Kaduna-bound train was freed by the terrorists.
The victims, who consist of two males and a female, secured their freedom around 11 am on July 25, bringing succour to their respective families.
It was further gathered that the terrorists released them 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.
Just last 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.