No fewer than five hostages who were taken on March 28 aboard an Abuja-Kaduna train have been released by terrorists.
Meanwhile, it is not clear if money was paid to the terrorists to release their abducted victims.
The security agencies and the Federal Government are yet to confirm the development, however a member of the negotiating team, Tukur Mamu said the victims were released on Tuesday.
Mamu gave the names of the five released hostages as Professor Mustapha Umar Imam, who is medical at Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Akibu Lawal, Abubakar Ahmed Rufai Mukthar Shu’aibu and Sidi Aminu Sharif.
Mamu, who said that he played a prominent role in the release of the train victims, stated he has backed out due to threats to his life, personal integrity and lack of support from the Federal Government.
So far, 37 victims have regained their freedom. The number of those still in captivity now stands at 35.
Gunmen had on March 28 blown up the rail track, killing some and abducting scores of passengers, a situation that called for serious concern about the safety of the nation’s trains.
Tuesday’s release is coming a few days after three other victims the abducted Kaduna-bound train was freed by the terrorists.
The victims, who consist of two males and a female, secured their freedom around 11 am on July 25, bringing succour to their respective families.
