Train Attack: Kaduna-based publisher secures release of seven additional hostages
The publisher of the Kaduna-based Desert Herald newspaper, Tukur Mamu, helped negotiate the release of seven hostages who were abducted from the Kaduna-bound train that was attacked by gunmen in March.
Mr. Mamu, who is also a media consultant to a popular Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, helped secure the release of 11 hostages in June.
According to the Desert Herald, those released on Saturday are Bosede Olurotimi, Abubakar Zubairu, Alhassan Sule and Sadiq Ango Abdullahi.
The others are Muhammad Daiyabu Paki, Aliyu Usman and a Pakistani Muhammad Abuzar Afzal.
Although Mr. Mamu earlier announced that he was withdrawing from mediating between the government and the gunmen due to what he described as lukewarm government involvement, he decided to resume negotiations with the gunmen after apparently being convinced by family members of the victims to reconsider his decision.
He said the seven hostages were handed over to him on Saturday night in Kaduna.
Like the previous version, Mr. Mamu said he initiated the latest release of abductees with the support of his principal, Mr. Gumi.
He thanked the military for their support during the rescue mission.
"After the victims were successfully evacuated, traveling more than 40 kilometers through the forest, they were escorted by the army to Kaduna," Mamu said.
Mr. Mamu said no ransom was paid for the release of the passengers.
"Money can't do what I did today. And I will never get involved in a money-related issue.
"We must unite as a nation to meet our challenges. I pray and hope that the government will learn a lot of lessons from today's development. We thank Allah for using us to make many people happy Mr. Mamu said.
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The publisher of the Kaduna-based Desert Herald newspaper, Tukur Mamu, helped negotiate the release of seven hostages who were abducted from the Kaduna-bound train that was attacked by gunmen in March.
Mr. Mamu, who is also a media consultant to a popular Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, helped secure the release of 11 hostages in June.
According to the Desert Herald, those released on Saturday are Bosede Olurotimi, Abubakar Zubairu, Alhassan Sule and Sadiq Ango Abdullahi.
The others are Muhammad Daiyabu Paki, Aliyu Usman and a Pakistani Muhammad Abuzar Afzal.
Although Mr. Mamu earlier announced that he was withdrawing from mediating between the government and the gunmen due to what he described as lukewarm government involvement, he decided to resume negotiations with the gunmen after apparently being convinced by family members of the victims to reconsider his decision.
He said the seven hostages were handed over to him on Saturday night in Kaduna.
Like the previous version, Mr. Mamu said he initiated the latest release of abductees with the support of his principal, Mr. Gumi.
He thanked the military for their support during the rescue mission.
"After the victims were successfully evacuated, traveling more than 40 kilometers through the forest, they were escorted by the army to Kaduna," Mamu said.
Mr. Mamu said no ransom was paid for the release of the passengers.
"Money can't do what I did today. And I will never get involved in a money-related issue.
"We must unite as a nation to meet our challenges. I pray and hope that the government will learn a lot of lessons from today's development. We thank Allah for using us to make many people happy Mr. Mamu said.
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism is very expensive. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
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