AK9 TRAIN ATTACK: Seven Victims Reunite With Their Families- Mamu

…Says Nigerians Should Thank Gov Buni For Playing Very Crucial Role

The lead negotiator and facilitator of the release of seven additional victims of the Abuja-Kaduna bound train, Mal Tukur Mamu ( Dan-Iyan Fika) has confirmed to DESERT HERALD that he has reunited all the seven rescued victims of the train attack late in the evening of Saturday to their families.

Mamu disclosed that efforts by the military to take over the rescued victims after they were released was resisted by them. They accused government of putting their lives in danger and unnecessarily delaying their release and insisted on getting to their families immediately to be able to have urgent medical attention in view of their health condition. The Publisher has also confirmed that from the military checkpoint that led to the remote location where the captives were successfully secured is more than 50 kilometers without assess road. He also said after retrieving the victims, the soldiers had provided security over that brought them back to Kaduna.

“The soldiers were considerable enough to hand us over to Tukur Mamu after we insisted that we will not go with them. The most difficult job has been done by him alhamdulillah. We were all taken to his office and even before then he has contacted all our family members to come and pick us. I can confirm to you that this man did this thing alone because even our family members were taken by surprise they least expected the rescue soon more so that today (Saturday) is Sallah day”, Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, son of the former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University said in tears while thanking Allah and Mamu for the sacrifice and efforts. He also urged the federal government to intensify efforts to ensure that the remaining passengers are rescued as soon as possible because of their deteriorating medical condition.

DESERT HERALD can also confirm that the brief handover process was done by Tukur Mamu after he was informed that the military had released them to that effect. It was an emotional moment as anxious family members could not hold their tears on seeing the safe arrival of their loved ones. There was also a mixed reaction and cries from family of other victims that are expecting to see their loved ones but were very much disappointed and demoralised when they discovered that they are not part of those that were recovered.

Mamu disclosed that behind the scenes the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni has done so much behind the scenes to ensure the success of Saturday’s mission. “Sincerely, I have so much respect for Gov Buni. From the information I have there is no single Yobe citizen left in that forest but that Governor demonstrated uncommon concern on this issue. He has been in touch with me throughout, monitoring development and even reaching out to those concerned whenever there is the need to do so. He gave lots of support. This is a Governor from the North East, far from the North West where we have this crisis. He told me not to publicise his efforts but I have to”.