Kaduna hijacked train: Seven more passengers released by terrorists

Seven more hijacked passengers from the tragic Kaduna-bound train that was assaulted by terrorists on March 28, 2022, have been liberated.

Malam Tukur Mamu, a media consultant for Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Gumi, their release was made possible by Sheikh Gumi’s persistent appeals to the kidnappers.

According to a statement released by Mamu on Wednesday, the victims include a family of six and Hajia Aisha Hassan, 60, who is presently dealing with life-threatening health issues.

Gumi contacted the kidnappers via his media advisor Mamu after viewing the graphic videos and pictures of the four kidnapped children from one of the abducted families.

“This is to confirm to the world that due to Sheikh Gumi’s efforts and with the support of a serving Senator from the North, (a God-fearing personality that doesn’t have any relationship with the hostages), who chooses to remain anonymous, that all the family of six has regained their freedom on Wednesday morning.

“Also released is a 60-year-old woman, Hajia Aisha Hassan, who was said to have been released due to life-threatening health challenges that deteriorated recently.

“The names of the six family members that were released are Abubakar Idris Garba, who is the father of the four kids, his wife Maryama Abubakar Bobbo and their eldest son, Ibrahim Abubakar Garba, who is 10 years old.

“Others include Fatima Abubakar Garba, 7 years, Imran Abubakar Garba, 5 years old and the youngest, Zainab Abubakar Garba, who is only one and half years.

“The husband, Abubakar is the son of Maj Gen Idris Garba (rtd), who is now bed-ridden, is an indigene of Niger State and was a former Military Administrator of Kano and Benue States during the administration of former Head Of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

“Sheikh Gumi had also prayed for the immediate release of the remaining victims and urged the government to intensify efforts towards achieving that. He said the delay in releasing the remaining victims is unnecessary and one that is achievable once the right approach has been taken”, Mamu said.

The father of the four kids is a staff of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC).