Seven released Kaduna-Abuja train victims reunite with families

The seven released Kaduna-Abuja train victims have been handed over to their families by their negotiator, Mallam Tukur Mamu.

Mallam Tukur Mamu, facilitator and publisher of Kaduna-based Desert Herald Newspapers, while handing over the victims to their families, said he thwarted the efforts by the Nigerian military to claim credit for their freedom.

According to him, “it is more than 50 kilometers from the military checkpoint that led to the remote location where the captives were successfully secured,” adding that there was no access road.

One of the released victims and son of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) convener, Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, said the soldiers were considerate enough to hand them over to Tukur Mamu after they insisted to go with him (Mamu), stressing that the most difficult job has been done by the journalist.

He said they were all taken to Tukur’s office and even before then, he had contacted all their family members to come and pick them.

“I can confirm to you that this man (Mamu) did this thing alone because even our family members were taken by surprise, they least expected the rescue soon,” he said.

Ango, in tears, thanked Allah and Mamu, expressing happiness for his sacrifice and efforts, just as he pleaded with the federal government to intensify efforts at ensuring that the remaining victims are rescued early because of their deteriorating medical conditions.