Three of the more than 50 hostages taken by terrorists as part of the railway passengers’ abduction from Abuja to Kaduna have been freed.
Around 11 a.m. on Monday, July 25, the victims—two males and a female—got their freedom.
According to reports, the terrorists reportedly released them at a site inside a woodland near the Kaduna-Abuja highway. They were then picked up by their family members from there.
Read Also: Terrorist Threat: Aisha Yesufu Says President Buhari Is A Disgrace
However, it is unclear if any cash was given to the terrorists in exchange for the release of their kidnapped victims.
On March 28, gunmen detonated a rail track, killing some passengers and kidnapping dozens more. This incident raised serious questions about the safety of the country’s train.
The Nigeria Railway Corporation momentarily halted operations out of concern for the situation, and President Muhammadu Buhari ordered security services to rescue the victims.
The terrorists published a popular video on Sunday showing them flogging hostages. Additionally, they threatened to kidnap Nasir El-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna State, and President Buhari.
A few hours later, the administration responded to the threat by charging the rebels of employing propaganda to force the government to comply with their demands.
Garba Shehu, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant for Media and Publicity, stated in a statement that security forces are not powerless to stop the country’s spiraling sense of insecurity.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Shehu said President Muhammadu Buhari has been supporting security agencies by boosting their morale and providing the needed equipment.
He said;
The Presidency, in the meantime wishes to reassure the public that the President has done all, and even more than what is expected of him as Commander-in-Chief by way of morale, material and equipment support to the military and expects nothing short of good results in the immediate.
Relatives Protest At Transport Ministry
Relatives of the victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack have picketed the headquarters of the Ministry of Transportation in Abuja, following the release of a new video by the bandits.
The protesters who occupied the main entrance to the ministry on Monday asked the Federal Government to take steps to secure the release of their loved ones who were abducted by gunmen at Katari village, Kaduna, on March 28.
A spokesperson for the protesters, Ahmed Aruwa, said they would continue to block the entrance of the Ministry of Transportation until they get a definite response from the government.
