Abuja-Kaduna Train: Remaining Victims Still In Captivity — Former Negotiator

Malam Tukur Mamu, a Kaduna-based publisher and former negotiator of the abducted passengers of the Abuja-Kaduna train, has stated that 27 of them are still with the terrorists.

Mamu's words come on the heels of recent reports that the victims have all been released, a topic which trended on social media.

Addressing the issue in a statement on Tuesday, he disclosed that contrary to the news, the captives were still with their abductors.

"Though I have disengaged myself from negotiating, anxious family members, pressmen and concerned Nigerians have been calling to confirm the veracity of the news.

“While many others justifiably have been celebrating and even congratulating relatives of the innocent victims", he said.

"It is news we are all praying earnestly to hear. It is highly irresponsible for peddlers of fake news to circulate sensitive contents that are not only unverifiable, untrue but news items that will certainly trigger anxiety and concern amongst the family members of those that remained in captivity and millions of their well-wishers across the globe.

“The condition of the remaining victims is still very bad, many of them are sick, and the rainy season is affecting them so much.

“I urge President Muhammadu Buhari to intensify efforts in securing their release immediately as the situation remains highly unpredictable while the families of those that are still in the bush are incapacitated in whatever way to negotiate the safe release of their loved ones", he added.