Saraki announces release of abducted train passengers
By Seun Ibiyemi
There was jubilation across the country as gunmen suspected to be terrorists who kidnapped passengers on the Abuja-Kaduna train in March released 11 of the victims.
In a press statement signed by the minister of State, Transportation, Gbemisola Saraki, and a copy made available to Nigerian NewsDirect, she said the 11 released passengers were freed on Saturday night.
According to her, the Federal Government will ensure that other yet to be released abducted train passengers are released, while ensuring safety of all citizens remains a top priority.
She said, “Tonight, 11 of the kidnapped victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack have just been released and are safely at a medical facility. As grateful as we are for this positive development, we are equally mindful of the anguish of all the victims and their families, who have unfortunately endured and still enduring unimaginable trauma since the tragic incident of March 28th, 2022. We salute their courage and fortitude.
“The Federal Government has been steadfast in its unrelenting objective to facilitate the safe release of every abducted passenger.”
She, however, commended the effort of President Muhammadu Buhari, the military and other security agencies in ensuring the release of the abducted victims.
“We commend the untiring effort of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, our military and security agencies in securing this release as further efforts are currently ongoing in securing the return of all other victims still in captivity as soon as possible.
“We thank Nigerians for their fervent prayers and support of the victims and families. I can assure Nigerians that we have and continue to treat the safety of all our citizens as a top priority and are determined to restore confidence amongst the citizenry.
“I pray to Almighty God that the victims will overcome the trauma of this tragic incident and I hold steadfast to the belief and hope that the remaining victims will soon be set free unscathed.”
