Ekeomah Atuonwu
The terrorists who assaulted and kidnapped passengers on the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28 in Nigeria have freed five more captives, one of whom was shot while in their hands.
Tukur Mamu, publisher of the Kaduna-based Desert Herald and media adviser to controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who resigned as one of the negotiators, confirmed the release.
Mamu stated in his announcement of his resignation as a negotiator that he did so because of threats to his life, lack of support from the Federal Government, and concerns for his personal integrity.
The terrorists had earlier wanted N100 million for each victim before they would be freed; the victims already released had paid the ransom, albeit it was not stated if it was paid or not for the released victims.
Terrorists still have control of 35 captives after releasing a total of 26 of them.
As AEM reported, on March 28, 2022, terrorists placed explosive devices along the rail track. As the AK-9 passenger train, which was traveling from Abuja to Kaduna, approached the site, the device burst, causing the train to derail and kill eight people.
