After about six months in captivity, the remaining 23 passengers of the ill fated Abuja to Kaduna train attack have been released, NewsSpecng has learnt.
The 23 remaining passengers held hostage by Boko Haram Terrorists following the attack on the Abuja to Kaduna train were released on Wednesday afternoon according to a statement by the the Chief of Defense Staff Action Committee (CDSAC).
The statement which was signed by the Secretary of the Committee, Prof. Usman Yusuf, however, did not reveal much. It was not stated if ransom was paid on their release or the they were secured through military attacks.
NewsSpecng had reported that bandits on March 28 attacked the train heading for Kaduna from the nation’s capital city after bombing its rail track and killing eight passengers in the process.
No fewer than 61 other passengers were abducted.
The bandits placed a ransom on the victims which led to the release of some passengers who were able to pay the N100 million ransom.
The 23 remaining passenger were those who were unable to raise the ransom and have been with the bandits for over five months.
The statement announcing their release reads: “I am pleased to announce to the nation and the world that at 1600Hrs. (4:00pm) today, Wednesday 5-10-2022, the seven-man Presidential Committee assembled by the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General L E O Irabor, secured the release and took custody of all the 23 remaining passengers held hostage by Boko Haram Terrorists following the attack on the Abuja to Kaduna train on 28-3-2022.
“The nation owes a debt of gratitude to the Nigerian Military under the leadership of the CDS who conceived and guided the operation from start to finish. All sister Security Agencies and the Federal Ministry of Transportation contributed immensely to this Operation.”
“The unwavering support of the President and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari is what made it all possible.
“Members of this Committee are grateful for the rare honour and privilege to be part of this Humanitarian Operation.”
