By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
Terrorists have released seven more captives of the ambushed Abuja-Kaduna-bound train.
They were released after over 100 days in captivity.
This was disclosed by Kaduna-based publisher and former lead negotiator between the Federal Government and terrorists, Tukur Mamu.
He said the victims were released on Saturday with no details of whether ransom was paid or not.
Mamu, during a chat with journalists, also gave the update about his recent withdrawal as a lead negotiator.
He reiterated that he might not be involved in further negotiations with the terrorists.
Rather, he advised the families of the remaining abducted passengers to engage the government, saying the government has the capacity to secure their release.
Nevertheless, he posited that based on the pleas, he had decided to further hold negotiations with the terrorists and to plead with them not to slaughter the remaining victims.
“Now I can reveal that it paid off as those released today (Saturday) include Bosede Olurotimi, Abubakar Zubairu, Alhassan Sule and Sadiq Ango Abdullahi.
“Other lucky passengers are Muhammad Daiyabu Paki, Aliyu Usman and the only foreign national of Pakistani origin, Dr. Muhammad Abuzar Afzal,” he noted.
Mamu, who’s the media consultant to Sheikh Gumi, further noted that, “the success of Saturday’s historic release has vindicated Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Gumi about what the power of mediation can achieve.
“I want to assure the nation that everything that was achieved today was singlehandedly initiated and arranged by me with the full support and prayers of my principal, Sheikh Gumi.
“That is why I keep emphasising that government has the power to end the agony of this innocent victims in one day.
“This is just one individual that sacrificed his life and even integrity. There is no military solution to the current security debacle in Nigeria.
“When you sincerely engage them, these guys, even though wicked with misguided religious beliefs, they are listening.
“I have sufficient evidence to prove that they do listen. It is this power of engagement and sincerity that resulted in the release of these seven victims.
“In whatever I do, I don’t need or require any reward from anybody, but from Allah. I hope the nation will sacrificed our lives before it recognize us.
“The seven rescued victims have been handed over to the military and are now on their way to Kaduna.
He thanked the Kaduna military GOC for the support he gave during the rescue mission.
“The location they (abductors) gave is remote, sensitive and risky.
“There was a military checkpoint before penetrating the forest.
“My team was stopped by the soldiers, but when they told the military our mission, they contacted the GCO and he immediately gave approval for them to proceed.
“And after the victims were successfully evacuated, travelling through over 40 kilometers in the forest, they were given a military escort back to Kaduna at the checkpoint,” he further gave insight on how the captives were set free.
When asked whether money was involved in securing the release of the victims, Mamu said the seven rescued victims were in the best position to confirm that, saying “Money cannot achieve what I have done today.”
According to him, “I will never involve myself on any issue that has to do with money.
“I am also under serious watch. I am sure if they have evidence against me, I cannot be talking freely the manner I used to do.
“However, this is no time for blame-game. We must come together as a nation to confront our challenges.
“I pray and hope that government will learn a lot of lessons in the development of today. We thank Allah that He uses us to make many happy.”
Meanwhile, Mamu has pleaded with the families of the remaining victims to actively engage government to secure their release, insisting that with what he has proven again, he would no longer be involved in such a risky mission.
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