Abimaje Moses
Despite the N4.3 billion ransom demanded for the release of the remaining 43 abducted passengers of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, their relatives are hopeful that their loved ones will regain freedom.
Their optimism follows the recent recent release of seven abductees by the terrorists after a whopping sum of N800 million was said to have been paid.
Last Saturday, seven of the 50 remaining victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack regained their freedom after 103 days in captivity.
Their release came after the peaceful procession held days earlier by their relatives to mark their 100 days in captivity. The release of the seven victims did not come without a price.
According to yet to be confirmed reports, the sum of N800 million was allegedly paid to the terrorists for their freedom.
One of the relatives of the victims who pleaded anonymity confirmed to AIT.live via telephone that ransom money was paid, though he could not state the precise amount.
The fate of the remaining 43 is now uncertain following an alleged demand of N4.3 billion ransom by the terrorists for their release. The demand is about N100 million for each of the 43 passengers still in captivity.
Speaking to AIT.live in Kaduna, North-West Nigeria, relatives of some of the abducted passengers however say they have not been contacted to pay any ransom.
They say no amount or sacrifice should be too much for the government to pay to secure the freedom of their loved ones.
A security analyst, Bashir Galma describes the demand of the terrorists as ridiculous. Many say most of those in captivity are the breadwinners of their families and without external help coming their way, getting them out may be near impossible.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
