Kidnapped Abuja-Kaduna train victims’ families intensify call for release

Families of the yet to be freed kidnapped passengers of an Abuja-Kaduna train, after a violent attack has intensified call for more efforts toward their release.

There were reports that one of victims was short dead by the abductors earlier on Wednesday, prompting the reinforced call on the relevant agencies of government to hasten the release of their loved ones still in captivity.

Two family members, who spoke on behalf of others, during a visit to the House of Representatives on Wednesday, and were received by Hon Bamidele Salam, from Osun State and Hon. Manu Soro Masur from Bauchi State begged the lawmakers help as much as humanly possible. 

The duo acted on behalf of the 11 members championing the release of the remaining victims.

Wife of one of the kidnapped victims, Matilda Kabir, said it was shocking that one of the victims was shot dead, adding that they were scared not knowing who would be the next. 

“We are here to plead with the House of Representatives. The news we are getting is not favourable. We are here to beg them to help us. It is not funny again. The news we got this morning is one person was shot. 

“We don’t know who is next. My husband is there. We don’t know if it would be any other person. Nigerians should help. My husband is in captivity. They have been suffering. Imagine sleeping and standing there for 94 days. We are going to a hundred days. Please help us,” she said.

Another family member, Aminu Lawal Uthman, whose brother was abdicated called for more pressure to be put on the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure their release. 

“We are here to meet members of the House to continue pleading on efforts to release our family members because of the news we got this morning that one of the captives was shot. It is a terrible news,” he said.

Responding, Salam said the experience was horrible, having little children, sick people, and the elderly held is such an hostile environment. 

“They also will be willing to grant the request of government. So as we were talking to the government, we are also in talks with the negotiators, the middle men, who are persons who directly talk to these abductors and we are very hopeful, that by the grace of God we would be able to get something tangible within the shortest possible time,” he said. 

Also, Hon. Manu Soro Masur, said they would intensify pressure in appropriate quarters to ensure the captives are freed.

“We have heard and would continue to put pressure to get them free. We in the House would not stop. We share in their sorrow and pain. It is our commitment not to leave any stone unturned in our effort to ensure the victims are released unhurt”, the lawmaker stated.