The families of the remaining Abuja-Kaduna train hostages have been thrown into sorrow as their relatives are still in detention due to the failure of the bandits to honour a deal with the authorities which involved swapping them with some of their notorious detained members.
Train AK9 which had been operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) had been attacked the night of Monday, March 28 between Katari and Rijana in Kaduna.
Read Also: Terrorists Free 5 More Abducted Kaduna Train Attack Victims
Some of the terrorists had also killed more than 10 people and kidnapped 63; about half have been freed with the fate of others hanging.
The insurgents now appear to have backed out of the promise to release the passengers.
Their leadership had entered into a prisoner swap deal that saw the release of 30 terrorists from the custody of security agencies.
An intelligence operative told Newsmen that the government has taken every possible step, except ransom payment, to get the citizens out. The source explained that the negotiations remain the best options as a military operation would cause collateral damages.
“Apart from reneging on the agreement, they are releasing the victims in batches, in the most dubious manner.
“They are now exploiting the situation, extorting victims’ families, while other elements are exploiting the same for political gains.
“We are not authorised to strike because of the fear of damages that could trigger massive outcry by rights activists and the media”, the official added.
Military sources told Newsmen that Bosede Tuwase was among the seven captives released on July 9.
She is the wife of Air Vice Marshal (AVM), Olurotimi Anthony Tuwase, Commandant of Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC).
In another report, 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.