As the terrorists that attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound AK9 train on March, 28,released 11 out of the remaining 61 abducted train passengers, the influence of controversial cleric, Shehu Gumi, has been stressed.
He was said to have played a major role in the intervention that yielded the release.
The victims had been with the insurgents since March.
Alhaji Tukur Mamu, the negotiator and media consultant to controversial cleric Gumi, said the 11 victims were released on Saturday.
The victims released by the bandits include Jessy John, Amina Ba’aba Mohammed (Gamba), Rashida Yusuf Busari, Hannah Ajewole and Amina Jibril, Najib Mohammed Daiharu, Gaius Gambo, Hassan Aliyu, Peace A. Boy and Danjuma Sa’idu.
Those released have been flown to Abuja on the order of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari(retd.),
for medical evaluation and treatment before the decision to reunite them with their families.
Speaking in the latest edition of Kaduna-based newspaper, Desert Herald, Manu said, “We have succeeded in building confidence now. We will do everything to sustain it in the interest of the innocent victims that are still in captivity.
“It’s a painful and frustrating process but it must be done if we are to secure the precious lives of the remaining victims.
“The good news is our collective efforts have succeeded in securing the release of 11 of the victims so far. With the continued support of the FG all the remaining victims will be released soon Insha Allah.
“President Buhari must be commended for understanding the gravity of the crisis and for giving directives to the security agencies. The CDS, Gen. Irabo has done excellently well under the circumstances. The Army and the DSS have played a crucial role. There is no military solution to this predicament.
“But behind the scene, Sheikh Gumi by Allah’s will made it possible. He was involved from the day I started. In fact, I accepted that role because of his directives to that effect. Even the final arrangement of how and the safest place to get the victims was arranged and coordinated by him.”
