Eighty-five days after passengers on the Abuja-Kaduna-bound train were attacked, President Muhammadu Buhari has again directed that the remaining kidnapped railway passengers must be brought home alive.
The President gave the directive in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, yesterday, in Abuja.
Recall that the passengers travelling from Abuja to Kaduna by rail were attacked by terrorists, who killed about eight persons with scores injured while over 60 others were kidnapped on March 28.
According to the presidential aide, the nation’s military and security agencies are aware of their duty to the nation and are determined to give effect to the president’s charge with increased urgency.
Shehu said the President directed increased efforts – kinetic and non-kinetic to bring the case to a closure.
“Upon the President’s approval, the Government is continuing on the two-lane approach, kinetic and non-kinetic to secure the passengers’ safe release.
“The kidnappers made a demand for the release of their own children and upon the settlement of that issue, they let go eleven of the victims, even though more were expected.
“The setback notwithstanding, the Government is not leaving any stone unturned in the efforts to bring all of the hostages back”, he said.
The presidential aide affirmed that defence, security and intelligence agencies had given assurances to intensify operational engagements geared towards securing the rescue of all hostages and restoring peace to all parts of the country.
According to him, the government is also mindful of the efforts of some patriotic and influential persons and institutions that are helping in securing the safe release of the hostages.
Since their abduction, the terrorists have released some of the hostages including a pregnant woman and Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, the son of the Chairman of Northern Elders Forum, Prof Ango Abdullahi.
“President Buhari welcomes the return of the recently released passengers back to their families and loved ones, while expressing his solemn commitment to the families of those still in captivity”, he added.
Shehu quoted the president as assuring that “there will be no let-up until they are reunited with their families in the shortest time possible”.
