Abuja-Kaduna train: Abductors of passengers issue fresh ultimatum

The abductors of passengers of the ill-fated Abuja-Kaduna bound train have issued a fresh ultimatum to the federal government.

This is as the terrorists withdrew their earlier threat to stop feeding the over 60 abducted and to start executing the victims, DAILY POST reports.

According to the spokesperson of Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, Malam Tukur Mamu, the ‘Dan Iyan Fika, disclosed that the withdrawal of the threat was part of the ongoing engagement with the terrorists.

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s spokesman, who was privileged to open a channel of communication with the terrorists through one of their leaders, Abu Barra, explained that, “I can authoritatively confirm that the earlier threat to stop feeding the over 60 abducted passengers of the Abuja-Kaduna bound train and threat to start executing the victims was successfully withdrawn on Saturday afternoon.”

According to him, a temporary ceasefire that would enable government facilitate action was indeed reached with the abductors.

As a result of serious and honest engagement, he said the bandits had agreed to continue to take care of their victims, including providing them with medical first aid services.

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s spokesman confirmed that the bandits gave the government another two weeks, effective from Monday, 30th May, to release their teenage children before any talk that may lead to the release of some of their victims.

Tukur Mamu urged the government do the needful, as soon as possible, as many of the victims have serious health challenges in view of the rainy season.

The spokesman explained that his decision to accept the mediation efforts was purely on humanitarian grounds and as part of the sacrifice and commitment of Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Gumi to contribute to lasting peace and security across the North, especially the North West.

He further explained that in view of the encouraging development, it remains to be seen how government would react to ensure the immediate release of the kidnapped victims that have now spent two months in captivity.