The released hostages include Mohammed Sani Abdulmaji (M.S. Ustaz), an 85-year-old woman, Hajiya Halimatu Atta, and her 53-year-old daughter, Adama Aliyu.
Tukur Mamu, Publisher of the Kaduna-based Desert Herald and Media Consultant to controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who withdrew as one of the negotiators, confirmed the release of the four hostages to newsmen in Kaduna.
“I can confirm that earlier on Friday, four additional victims of the train attack were released by their abductors. The four released victims just left my office.
“They said they came collectively to thank me for the past efforts I made to mediate on their behalf and for convincing their abductors to drop the threats of executing them and to plead for all stakeholders especially the federal government to intensify efforts as the condition of the remaining 23 victims they left at the forest is pathetic.
“Amongst those that were released on Friday includes the oldest victim, a grandmother, Mama Halimatu Atta. She is 90 years old. Also released is her daughter, a 53-year-old married woman, Adama Atta Aliyu, (the woman that was bravely shown in the last video protesting and challenging her captors and lamenting failure to secure their release). The victim that first suggested my name to the abductors, as one of those to be contacted to mediate between them and the federal government, Mohammed Sani Abdulmaji (M.S Ustaz) and a Sokoto indigene, Alhaji Modin Modi Bodinga were also released on Friday”. He said.
Before and after photos of Mohammed Sani Abdulmaji (M.S Ustaz) is serving the rounds and caused a stir online.
See photos below,
