FG Takes Steps to Reopen Abuja-Kaduna Train Service, Reports No Money Paid for Released Victims

No ransom was paid, according to Mua’zu Jaji Sambo, the minister of transportation, to secure the release of the other 23 Kaduna train attack victims.

This information was revealed by the Minister to press on Friday in Abuja.

Although diplomacy was used to secure their release, according to him, no kobo was exchanged.

Remember how on March 28, 2022, terrorists detonated explosives on the rail track, causing the train to derail and crash into Kaduna.

At least nine people died while releases were arranged at varying times up until the last batch of 23 victims was freed on October 5, 2022.

Commenting on the development, the minister said, “On 11th August, the President Federal Republic of Nigeria received at the Presidential Villa relatives of the victims and further assurances was given to the fact that Government was working assiduously to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

“Before this visit, I have also in my capacity as the Minister of Transportation, having just resumed duty a few weeks, met and addressed the relatives of the kidnapped victims where I asked them to cooperate with security operatives if the need arises and assured them that their loved ones that has been kidnapped will be released as it is paramount to Government,” he said.

He said with their release, “this day will therefore remain memorable in the annals of the country and every person who contributed in any way to the release of the victims has every reason to be happy for contributing to the Nation’s glory.”

He noted that the FG suspended Commercial train services on that route since March.

“It is now six months and 7 days that the commercial train service on the route had been suspended and it is imperative to also let you know that the reconstruction and repairs of the damaged rail line was carried out by indigenous Engineers of the Nigerian Railway Corporation” he noted.

The Minister said with the entire victims now released, the ministry will begin the process of opening the Abuja-Kaduna train service.

He however noted that before the train service will resume, appropriate security measures will be out in place for the security of train service users.

He said in the next three months, a sustainable security architecture would have been put in place for the trains to resume.
The minister also indicated that the victims are receiving treatment and rehabilitation.

He pledged government support to enable them heal.

GOGAN TV