Eleven out of the kidnapped passengers of the Abuja-Kaduna Train attack have regained their freedom.
Among those who regained their freedom are six females and five males who have been flown to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, for medical treatment.
The Publisher of Desert Herald, Tukur Mamu, who served as a mediator, confirmed the development.
He explained that “the 11 victims were freed on health grounds, to enable them undergo urgent medical treatment.”
Asked to give the full details of the process that led to the release of the 11 victims, Mamu said disclosing everything would jeopardize ongoing negotiations to release the remaining victims and may even endanger their safety.
He said; “We have succeeded in building confidence now, we will do everything to sustain it in the interest of the innocent victims that are still in captivity. It’s a painful and frustrating process but it must be done if we are to secure the precious lives of the remaining victims.
“The good news is our collective efforts have succeeded in securing the release of 11 of the victims so far. With the continued support of the Nigerian Government, all the remaining victims will be released soon Insha Allah.”
He said; “President Buhari must be commended for understanding the gravity of the crisis and for giving directives to the security agencies.
Reacting to the development, the Minister of State, Transportation, Gbemisola Saraki said; “As grateful as we are for this positive development, we are equally mindful of the anguish of all the victims and their families, who have unfortunately endured and still enduring unimaginable trauma since the tragic incident of March 28th, 2022.
“We salute their courage and fortitude.”
Saraki said the Nigerian Government has been steadfast in its unrelenting objective to facilitate the safe release of every abducted passenger.
“We commend the untiring effort of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, our military and security agencies in securing this release as further efforts are currently ongoing in securing the return of all other victims still in captivity as soon as possible…We thank Nigerians for their fervent prayers and support of the victims and families.”
“I can assure Nigerians that we have and continue to treat the safety of all our citizens as a top priority and are determined to restore confidence amongst the citizenry.”
“I pray to Almighty God that the victims will overcome the trauma of this tragic incident and I hold steadfast to the belief and hope that the remaining will soon be set free unscathed,” Saraki added.
The attack which occurred on March 28, 2022 at Dutse forest in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State left eight people killed and 26 others injured while scores of passengers went missing.
VON