The families of abducted victims of the March 28, Abuja-Kaduna train attack have urged the federal government to speed up the rescue of their loved ones, saying the heath of many of the hostages was failing.
The relatives, in a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, said even though they appreciated the recent release of 11 hostages, there is a need for urgent rescue of the remaining victims, adding that the experience has also pushed some relatives into depression with suicidal thoughts.
- We value Nigeria’s democracy, security because of its regional importance—Nuland
- Was Lawan a stranger to Nigerians before his emergence as Senate president?
The leaders of the relatives, Dr. AbdulFatai Jimoh and Dr. Ba’aba Muhammad said: “It is necessary to restate that our family members still in captivity are living under horrendous conditions, many of them are sick with poor medical care in addition to poor nutrition, environmental hazards and more frighteningly living in perpetual fear of threat to life.”
They stressed that family members of the hostages were not left out in the harrowing experience with some already in depression with suicidal thoughts.
“We cannot wait to see the end of this nightmare. Our hearts were gladdened on Tuesday, 21st June 2022 when Mr. President issued fresh orders to security chiefs to spare no effort in freeing the remaining 50 hostages ‘alive and in the shortest time possible.’ Our joy will know no bounds if this presidential directive is given accelerated action that results in a positive outcome,” the group stated.
They commended the efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs as well as Nigerians for their efforts and prayers in seeing to the return of their loved ones.