THE minister of transportation, Mua’zu Jaji Sambo, revealed that no ransom was paid, to secure the release of the other 23 Kaduna train incident victims.
This information was revealed by the Minister to the press today in Abuja.
According to him, no kobo was exchanged, although diplomacy was used to secure their release.
Recall 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 various 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 mentioned that since March, the FG has halted commercial rail travel on that route.
“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 stated that now that all of the victims have been freed, the ministry will start the process of reopening the railway service between Abuja and Kaduna.
But he added that before train service resumes, the proper security measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of passengers.
He projected that a sustainable security architecture will be in place for the trains to resume running by the next three months.
He also mentioned that the victim’s were undergoing treatment and rehabilitation adding that the government would do everything to help them recover.
Comments are closed.