Terrorists renege on promise to release 30 train hostages despite their colleagues being freed from detention

TERRORISTS who attacked the Abuja to Kaduna train on March 28 have reneged on a deal with the federal government to release the last 30 hostages they are holding after security agencies freed an equal number of their colleagues in detention.

On the night of Monday, March 28, armed terrorists attacked the train inbetween Katari and Rijana in Kaduna State, killing 10 and abducting 63 people. About half of those kidnapped have been freed and under a recent deal struck with the government, the remaining hostages were to be released after about 30 terrorists were set free by the authorities.

However, it appears that the insurgents now appear to have backed out of the promise to release the passengers. According to one intelligence operative, the government had taken every possible step, except ransom payment, to get the kidnapped citizens freed as negotiations remain the best option because a military operation would cause collateral damage.

He added: “Apart from reneging on the agreement, they are releasing the victims in batches, in the most dubious manner. They are now exploiting the situation, extorting victims’ families, while other elements are exploiting the same for political gains. We are not authorised to strike because of the fear of damages that could trigger massive outcry by rights activists and the media."

According to military sources Bosede Tuwase was among the seven captives released on July 9. She is the wife of Air Vice Marshal Olurotimi Tuwase, the commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.