The terrorists who abducted passengers on the Abuja-Kaduna bound train have issued a fresh statement on their captives.
The withdrew their threat to kill the victims opting instead, to extend the deadline for commencement of the executions.
Two weeks ago, the gunmen threatened to kill the captives if the Muhammadu Buhari-led government fails to meet their conditions.
They had issued a 7-day ultimatum for the government to release their children allegedly kept in a Yola detention facility.
However, in a new development, the terrorists on Saturday rescinded their earlier threat to stop feeding the victims and to execute them within seven days.
Daily Post reports that Malam Tukur Mamu, spokesperson of popular Islami cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, said the gunmen had agreed to take care of the captives and provide them with medical first aid services.
Mamu said he got the assurance when he spoke with the terrorists through one of their leaders, Abu Barra, adding that it was as a result of ongoing engagement with the abductors.
He stated that the terrorists gave the federal government another two weeks, effective from Monday, 30th May, to release their children in exchange for the release of the victims.
In his words, “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over 60 abducted passengers of the Abuja-Kaduna bound train and threat to start executing the victims was successfully withdrawn on Saturday afternoon.”
Mamu, however, appealed to the government to meet the gunmen’s conditions in order to secure the release of the innocent Nigerians who have been in captivity for two months.
Gumi’s spokesman also disclosed that many of the victims have serious health challenges and urgently need to be attended to.
He added that his decision to accept the mediation efforts was purely on humanitarian grounds and as part of the sacrifice and commitment of his principal, Sheikh Gumi to contribute to lasting peace and security in the North West.
Boko Haram insurgents had attacked the train on 28th March 2022, killing 9 individuals and kidnapping over 60 while scores are still unaccounted for.