*Says use of lethal military force was jettisoned to avoid potential casualties
*Assures of safe release of remaining 31 abductees
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday explained why his administration decided not to use maximum force to free the victims of the Kaduna-bound train abducted by terrorists about five months ago, saying the military jettisoned use of lethal force so that innocent souls would not be killed.
He, however, gave an assurance that the remaining 31 victims still in the custody of the terrorists would be rescued to join their kiths and kins before long.
The president, who spoke at the State House, Abuja, while meeting with representatives of victims of Kaduna train abduction, stated that in the immediate aftermath of the incident, several actions had been taken by government to bring succour to the affected families and to prevent a recurrence in the country.
He also explained his reason for discarding the use of lethal military force in extracting the remaining abductees.
According to him: “It is understandable that emotions typically run high, we have received several suggestions about the deployment of lethal military force in extracting those still being held in captivity.
‘‘This option has indeed been considered and evaluated. However, the condition to guarantee a successful outcome and minimise potential collateral damage could not be assured and therefore that course of action had to be reluctantly discarded.”
Buhari assured the representatives of the train victims that the federal government was doing everything within its powers to ensure the safe return of the remaining captives.
While condoling with the families of the victims and those who lost their loved ones, the president said since the, “terrible and cowardly attack by the criminal elements on March 28, 2022, the nation had joined them to endure a period of difficulty and emotional pains.
He said: ‘‘I have been informed that at last count, there remain about 31 people in the hands of the kidnappers, and our determination is to work towards returning these 31 people to their families.
”My primary concern is to get everyone released safe and unhurt.”
Commenting on his recent instruction to security and law enforcement agencies to bring an end to inhumane action against innocent Nigerians, the president expressed delight, saying: “judging by the available reports to me and news that have begun emerging in the last few days, I will say they have heard this instruction and are responding appropriately.
‘‘In the past couple of days, you must have heard about the number of terrorists neutralised by the military, and number of hostages freed. These efforts will not stop, or reduce.
‘‘We must take the fight to the terrorists and demonstrate that there is no hiding place for them within the borders of our country.
‘‘Each one of them will be hunted, and pursued and spoken to in the language that they understand.’’
Buhari also used the occasion to commend the bravery and gallant actions taken by members of the Police Force who were onboard the train on that fateful day.
According to him: ‘‘It is clear that their actions saved many lives and by making the ultimate sacrifice, they must be recognised for their bravery.’’
Buhari added that he had never doubted the ability or confidence of those who have presented themselves to defend the country and the Kaduna train incident had reinforced the belief and faith of the nation in this special group of Nigerians.
‘‘I also would like to use this opportunity to say that we are cognisant of events that have unsettled our citizens in various parts of our nation and in the capital.
‘‘I would like to comfort those who were traumatised by these tragic events and pledge that our response is to protect all Nigerians wherever they are.
‘‘My dear country men and women, we thank God that none of the released prisoners died due to the severe trauma they passed through in the hands of the terrorists, showing that the efforts of government in securing their release were not in vain as government continues to do its best to secure the release of the remaining abductees and ensure the overall security of all citizens in the country.’’
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Transportation, Jaji Sambo, said in the first week of his resumption in the ministry, he met with the relatives of the victims of the Kaduna train attack, updating them of all the efforts the government is making to ensure safe return of their loved ones.
He described the audience with the president as a manifestation of the efforts by this administration to secure the release of all captives, and proof that government is not resting on its oars.
On his part, a representative of the victims of the train abduction, Alhaji Sabiu Mohammed, appealed to the federal government to assist the families with the release of their remaining loved ones still in captivity.
He said: ‘‘Please we want to see our loved ones and many have found themselves in very critical situations. We do not have the money that they (kidnappers) are demanding. Please, Mr. President, we know you are doing your best…please, please we want to see our loved ones.”
