John Shiklam in Kaduna
Families of the abducted passengers in the March 28, Abuja- Kaduna train that was attacked by terrorists have urged security agencies to hasten the process of ensuring the safe release of the remaining 50 victims still being held captive by terrorists as directed by the President Muhammadu Buhari.
The terrorists had attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound passenger train, killed eight people, injured many, while 62 others were abducted.
One of the victims was released after a ransom of N100 million was reportedly paid to the terrorists.
On June 11, 2022, the terrorists released 11 of the 61 victims following negotiations.
However, addressing journalists in Kaduna yesterday, spokesman of the families of the victims, Dr. Abdulfatai Jimoh, called on security agencies to hasten the process of releasing the remaining 50 hostages as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said the families and relations of the victims would be extremely happy if the presidential directive was given accelerated action that results in a positive outcome.
Jimoh said: “Since this dark day of 28th March 2022 only 11 people out of the abducted citizens have been reunited with their families leaving behind 50 innocent Nigerians in the hands of their abductors under horrible conditions of living.
“Our hearts were gladdened on Tuesday, 21 June 2022 when Mr. President issued fresh orders to security chiefs to spare no effort in freeing the remaining 50 hostages alive and in the shortest time possible.
“Our joy will know no bounds if this presidential directive is given accelerated action that results in a positive outcome.”
He lamented that those still in captivity were, “living under horrendous conditions, many of them are sick with poor medical care in addition to poor nutrition, environmental hazards and more frighteningly living in perpetual fear of threat to life.”
He said, “These conditions have led to deteriorating health status – both physical and psychological of the hostages and it calls for urgent rescue efforts.”
Jimoh said families of the captives have been going through trauma and harrowing experience with some already in depression with thoughts of committing suicide.
“We cannot wait to see the end of this nightmare. While we had expected all the women and children (22 people in total) held hostage to have been released in the first phase of the negotiation with the abductors, we are glad to receive the 11 persons now rescued, but our joy will only be complete when all abductees regain their freedom,” he said.
He commended the efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, Heads of Security Agencies, the Presidential Committee, institutions, organisations and individuals who had collectively worked tirelessly for the success of the first phase of negotiation.
“We learnt that negotiations are ongoing for the second phase and we hope and pray that this phase will be final phase to bring this sad incident to a joyful closure with the release of the remaining 50 captives and in the shortest time possible,” Jimoh said.
