Abductors of Abuja-Kaduna train victims of March 28 have freed another three hostages. Reports noted that while three hostages were released on Monday, one hostage had earlier regained freedom about a week ago.

This came barely 24 hours after the terrorists, in a viral video, threatened to abduct the President, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, senators, and other top government officials.

The publisher of Kaduna-based Desert Herald Newspaper, Tukur Mamu, confirmed the release of the four abducted passengers. He gave the names of the released victims as Mrs Gladys Brumen, Oluwatoyin Ojo, Hassan Lawan and Pastor Ayodeji Oyewumi.

Although he had since withdrawn as negotiator, Mamu said, “It’s true that three victims were released today (Monday). Even before today, about a week ago, one of the victims was also released. I can tell you there is no single intervention of the government.”

“Credible source informed me that the families were left to deal directly with the terrorists and then negotiate their release which is unfortunate because if the government is discouraging the payment of ransom and at the same time allowing the families to deal directly with the abductors, that’s even encouraging the payment of ransom.”

Released Victims React

One of the released victims, Hassan Lawal, was the lead speaker in Sunday’s viral video, pleading with the international community to secure their freedom. It was gathered that his release was effected yesterday after N100 million was paid by his family members. He has since joined his family at Unguwar Rimi area of Kaduna metropolis.

According to a family member, “my elder brother paid N50 million, while friends and sympathisers paid the remaining balance. We are happy to see him back after four months. On behalf of our family, we thank Nigerians for their prayers and support during this most difficult times.”

While reacting to the release of the three victims, leader of the victims’ families, Dr. Abdulfatai Jimoh, said, “We are very happy and we thank God on the release of three more victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack. We hope and pray for the release of the remaining abducted passengers very soon.”

Protests Continue

Meanwhile, families of the train attack victims had laid siege at the entrance of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, blocking staff from accessing the office complex.

The protesters, who arrived the ministry as early as 7:00a.m., lamented the prolonged silence of the government despite their outcry.

The Minister of Transportation, Sambo Mua’zu, in his response, said he was just resuming and was yet to get briefing on the matter. He said before he resumed, he had asked the Permanent Secretary to dialogue with the families.

“But I want to beg you one thing. I have just resumed and I’m going to receive the necessary briefings this morning. I want you to give me some time. In the meantime, I want contact names and addresses with telephone numbers that I can reach. I assure you that we’re going to be in constant engagement until this matter is sorted out and until every single person in captivity goes back home.”

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