The Minister of Transportation, Muazu Jaji Sambo on Friday, said no ransom was paid to release the last batch of the Abuja-Kaduna train passengers abducted on the 28th of March, 2022.
Recall that the Military on Wednesday, announced the release of the remaining 23 passengers after been held for more than six months in terrorists captivity.
The freed passengers are receiving medical attention in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) hospital in Kaduna State.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Minister who expressed joy over the safe return of the victims, stressed that no money was paid to secure their release.
He also noted that the victims are undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.
He said: “I want to state categorically that this government does not support any form of ransom. No kobo was paid in exchange for the release of this 23 hostages and indeed for the other ones as well.
“I am grateful to the Almighty God and President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian military and other security agencies for the various roles leading to the release of this victims.
“I am proud of the achievements of this great feat of securing the release of this kidnapped victims and uniting them with their loved ones.This has rekindled the hope and faith of Nigerians in our security agencies”, he added.
Sambo also assured that plans are underway to reopen the Abuja-Kaduna train service.
He assured that before the resumption of the train service, appropriate security measures will be put in place for users.
He said “We have a short term and long term plan. The short term measures will be put in place very quickly to enable rail services commence.
“And beyond a period of three months, we would have put in place a sustainable plan that would ensure that our rail lines are safe and secure and people can travel on them with their mind and hearts assured of safety”.
