President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja met with representatives of victims of Kaduna Train abduction, assuring them that the Federal Government is doing everything within its powers to ensure the safe return of the remaining captives.

Condoling with the families of the victims and those who lost their loved ones, the President said since the “terrible and cowardly attack by the criminal elements” on  March 28, 2022, the nation had joined them to endure a period of difficulty and emotional pains.

The President told representatives of the families that in the immediate aftermath of the incident several actions have been taken by government to bring succour to the affected families and to prevent a recurrence in the country. 

He also explained his reason for discarding the use of lethal military force in extracting the remaining abductees. 

‘‘I have been informed that at last count, there remain about 31 people in the hands of the kidnappers, and our determination is to work towards returning these 31 people to their families.

‘‘It is understandable that emotions typically run high, we have received several suggestions about the deployment of lethal military force in extracting those still being held in captivity.

‘‘This option has indeed been considered and evaluated.

‘‘However the condition to guarantee a successful outcome and minimize potential collateral damage could not be assured and therefore that course of action had to be reluctantly discarded.

''My primary concern is to get everyone released safe and unhurt,’’ he said.

On his recent instruction to security and law enforcement agencies to bring an end to inhumane action against innocent Nigerians, the President expressed delight, saying:

‘‘Judging by the available reports to me and news that have begun emerging in the last few days, I will say they have heard this instruction and are responding appropriately.

‘‘In the past couple of days, you must have heard about the number of terrorists neutralized by the military, and number of  hostages freed. These efforts will not stop, or reduce.

‘‘We must take the fight to the terrorists and demonstrate that there is no hiding place for them within the borders of our country.

‘‘Each one of them will be hunted, and pursued and spoken to in the language that they understand.’’

The President also used the occasion to commend the bravery and gallant actions taken by members of the Police Force who were onboard the train on that fateful day.

According to the President, ‘‘It is clear that their actions saved many lives and by making the ultimate sacrifice, they must be recognized for their bravery.’’

President Buhari added that he had never doubted the ability or confidence of those who have presented themselves to defend the country and the Kaduna train incident had reinforced the belief and faith of the nation in this special group of Nigerians.

‘‘I also would like to use this opportunity to say that we are cognizant of events that have unsettled our citizens in various parts of our nation and in the Capital.

‘‘I would like to comfort those who were traumatized by these tragic events and pledge that our response is to protect all Nigerians wherever they are.

‘‘My dear country men and women, we thank God that none of the released prisoners died due to the severe trauma they passed through in the hands of the terrorists, showing that the efforts of Government in securing their release were not in vain as Government continues to do its best to secure the release of the remaining abductees and ensure the overall security of all citizens in the country.’’ 

In his remarks, the Minister of Transportation, Jaji Sambo, said in the first week of his resumption in the ministry, he met with the relatives of the victims of the Kaduna train attack, updating them of all the efforts the government is making to ensure safe return of their loved ones.

He described the audience with the President as a manifestation of the efforts by this administration to secure the release of all captives, and proof that ‘‘government is not resting on its oars.’’

A representative of the victims of the train abduction,  Alhaji Sabiu Mohammed, appealed to the Federal Government to assist the families in the release of their remaining loved ones still in captivity.

‘‘Please we want to see our loved ones and many have found themselves in very critical situations. We do not have the money that they (kidnappers) are demanding. Please, Mr President, we know you are doing your best…please, please we want to see our loved ones,’’ Mohammed said.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 11, 2022

Only fools believe in Nigerian government.

Hmm,my love for PMB before no be small but maybe it's Old age sha.

Do Its Best? Instead of assuring us of their release?

Well, Less than 10 months to go. We go survive.

By paying ransoms

The question will be:

Is their best Good Enough?

The clueless one has spoken






Failure! Spit

Which prison are they breaking next? Since government is reluctant to use maximum force against the enemy.

Thunder, won't you gather fast? I want to send you to....APC...

Nonesense. Was the government the one that secured their release before? People paid ransom and you are here running mouth.

Chai! I don't blame you. Poverty has caused Nigerians many things. If not they would have rejected the proposal to meet you. Poverty would be like, " let's go may be government will pay part of the ransom"

Just that the best is not good enough

Tales by moonlight..

Which presidency promised what? Terrorist sympathisers cannot effect release of anyone. If for all these months no single person was released courtesy of government effort, how do we believe this uncooked promise? It's a big shame.

Maybe another prison break is about to happen, Sai baba have dealt with Nigerians and even the security apparatus are more than confused

Taking too long

What about the swap deal will the prison attack is that one not enough for them to release them all

Mumu man, after promising us maximum security that u will defeat boko haram within six month if elected, now you are here negotiating with terrorist, 70 years old foolish man

What a fraud

I can't even read it finish. Just because the story too long. Meanwhile! Don't forget that...

This government of today is like this club that l won't mention. They always claimed they're at the top...how they get there no one can explain, but everybody knows they we surely fall down!

They have quietly pay some dou to their brothers and free some of them as well. I hail thee my country.

Still in shock?

You have failed your mission as President.

Na today we begin dey hear this kind statement. Everyday I assure you, I assure you. Nonsense

Assurance president

Story... promise and fail

We

Is he going to send an elite force or is he going to pay ransom or swap arrested bandits in exchange? He should be specific.