Five of the passengers abducted during an attack on an Abuja-Kaduna-bound train have regained their freedom.
Recall that the train was attacked on March 28, this year, with several passengers killed while others sustained injuries.
The Publisher of a Kaduna-based newspaper and Media Consultant to controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, Tukur Mamu, who withdrew as one of the negotiators, confirmed the release of the five hostages yesterday. He gave the names of the five released hostages as Professor Mustapha Umar Imam, who is medical at Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Akibu Lawal, Abubakar Ahmed Rufa’i 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. Among the hostages released by the terrorists include Mukhtar Shu’aibu, a victim who was shot while in their custody.
Recall that Shu’aibu was shot during a “friendly fire” while in the den of the terrorists who abducted the passengers after the daring train attack.
Yesterday’s release is coming a few days after three other victims the abducted Kaduna-bound train was freed by the terrorists. So far, 37 victims have regained their freedom. The number of those still in captivity now stands at 35.
The security agencies and the Federal Government are yet to confirm the development.
