The security agencies and the Federal Government are yet to confirm the development, but a member of the negotiating team, Tukur Mamu told journalists that the victims were released on Tuesday, August 2nd.
He gave the names of the five released hostages as Professor Mustapha Umar Imam, who is a medical doctor 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.
It is however not clear if any money was paid to the terrorists to release their abducted victims.
He said with the release of the five, 34 of the victims are still being held in the forest.
Inadequate Manpower Rendering PHC’s Ineffective- Stakeholders
The son of a former military governor of Kano State, Idris Garba, his wife and children, and many others are reportedly among those still being held.
It could be recalled that 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.
