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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The family members of the abducted passengers of the Abuja-Kaduna bound train on March 28 have said that until all the abductees are released they will never know joy despite the release of 11 out of 61.
The family members therefore called on the federal government to ensure speedy freedom of the remaining 50 abductees in captivity.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Leader of the Abuja-Kaduna AK9 Train abducted passengers, Dr.AbdulFatai Jimoh noted that those in captivity are living under horrendous conditions,many of them are sick with poor medical care.
“Today, the 23rd of June, 2022 is the 87 day since 63 Nigerians were
abducted in the Abuja-Kaduna AK9Train attack which left 9 people dead and scores injured.
“Since this dark day of 28 March,2022 only 11 people out of the abducted citizens have been reunited with their families leaving behind 50 innocent Nigerians in the hands of their abductors under horrible conditions of living.
“Our hearts were gladdened on Tuesday,21June,2022 when Mr. President issued fresh orders to security chiefs to spare no effort in freeing the remaining 50 hostages‘ alive and in the shortest time possible’.
“Our joy will know no bounds if this presidential directive is given accelerated action that results in a positive outcome.
“It is necessary to restate that our family members still in captivity are living under horrendous conditions, many of them are sick with poor medical care in addition to poor nutrition, environmental hazards and more frighteningly living in perpetual fear of threat to life.
“These conditions have led to deteriorating health status – both physical and psychological of the hostages and it calls for urgent rescue efforts.
“Family members of these hostages are not left out in this harrowing experience with some already in depression with suicidal thoughts.
“We cannot wait to see the end of this nightmare. While we had expected all the women and children (22 people in total) held hostage to have been released in the first phase of the negotiation with the abductors, we are glad to receivethe11persons now rescued, but our joy will only be complete when all abductees regain their freedom.
“However, we commend institutions, Organizations and Individuals who collectively worked tirelessly for the success of this first phase of negotiation. We learnt that negotiations are on going for the second phase and we hope and pray that this phase will be final phase to bring this sad incident to a joyful closure with the release of the remaining 50 captives and in the shortest time possible”. Dr. Jimoh said.
