By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Disturbed by the gory videos images of four children of same family viewed in the last video released by the attackers of the AK9 Train, Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Gumi for the first since the abduction of the passengers of the train over four months ago, reached out to the abductors consistently and pleaded with them to consider the release of the poor children and their innocent parents.

This is contained in a statement by Tukur Mamu Media Consultant to Dr Gumi and Chief negotiator between on Wednesday afternoon shortly after the news of the release broke out.

Mamu said the health condition of two of the teenage children had deteriorated since the flogging incidence that affected their helpless father.

He confirmed that a total of additional seven hostages were therefore released on Wednesday. The husband of the four kids is a staff of the National Assembly Commission.

“There was no intervention from the Commission or NASS on his behalf since the travails begun.

“This is to confirm to the world that due to Sheikh Gumi's efforts and with the support of a serving Senator from the North, (a God fearing personality that doesn't have any relationship with the hostages) who chose to remained anonymous that all the family of six have regained their freedom on Wednesday morning.

“Also released is a 60 year old woman, one Hajia Aisha Hassan who was said to have been released due to life threatening health challenges that deteriorated recently.

“The names of the six family members that were released are Abubakar Idris Garba who is the father of the four kids, his wife Maryama Abubakar Bobbo and their eldest son, Ibrahim Abubakar Garba who is 10 years old.

“Others include Fatima Abubakar Garba 7 years, Imran Abubakar Garba 5 years old and youngest Zainab Abubakar Garba who is only one and half years. The husband, Abubakar is the son of Maj Gen Idris Garba (rtd). Gen. Garba who is now bed ridden is an indigene of Niger State and was a former Military Administrator of Kano and Benue States during the administration of former Head Of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Sheikh Gumi had also prayed for the immediate release of the remaining victims and urged government to intensify efforts towards achieving that.

“The delay in releasing the remaining victims is unnecessary and one that is achievable once the right approach has been taken,” Mamu added.

The released family were first taken to the office of Mamu where they took photograph with Dr Gumi and Mamu.

Unconfirmed close family sources of Gen Garba said: “The Niger State government alone raised N450 million while the family gave N200million ransom was paid to secure the release of the seven.”

Police spokesperson Mohammed Jalinge did not respond to calls and text message sent to his number as at the time of filing this report.

•PHOTO: The released family with Tukur Mamu Dr Ahmed Gumi at Mamus office in Kaduna. Photo credit: Tukur Mamu

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