Five Kaduna Train Hostages are Released by Terrorists

FastNews reports that another five of the remaining hostages held captive by terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28 and abducted 63 additional passengers in addition to killing nine passengers, have been freed.

Dr. Mustapha Umar Imam, Akibu Lawal, Abubakar Ahmed Rufai, Mukthar Shu’aibu, and Sidi Aminu Sharif are among the hostages who have been freed.

Publisher of Desert Herald newspaper, Mal Tukur Mamu who confirmed the hostages release to journalists in Kaduna, also released their photographs and confirmed identity of the victims.

Mamu, who voluntarily engaged in negotiating the release of the train victims but backed out due to alleged threats to his life and lack of support from the Federal Government, said the five released victims were in his office immediately after they were freed.

The terrorists have continued to release the kidnapped passengers in batches beginning with the Managing Director Bank of Agriculture, Alwan Ali-Hassan followed by another set of 11, set of seven and four before the latest set of five.

The latest batch means 29 passengers have been released so far, leaving about 34 others in captivity.

It was not however clear whether any ransom was paid for the release of the latest freed passengers.