A popular Islamic cleric in Kaduna, Ahmad Gumi, has facilitated the release of a family of six as well as an old woman, abducted by terrorists in Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28.
A statement by Mr Gumi’s media consultant, Tukur Mamu, said the cleric was disturbed by the footages of four children of the family released by the kidnappers, hence his decision to reach out to abductors through him (Mr Mamu).
“It was learnt that the health condition of two of the children has deteriorated since the flogging incidence that affected their helpless father. A total of additional 7 hostages were therefore released on Wednesday.
“The father of the four is a staff of the National Assembly Commission. There was no intervention from the Commission or NASS on his behalf since the travails began.
“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 remain 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,” he said.
Mr Mamu disclosed the identities of the freed victims as 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 are Fatima Abubakar Garba, 7; Imran Abubakar Garba, 5 and; the 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 bedridden is an indigene of Niger State and is a former Military Administrator of Kano and Benue States during the administration of former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida,” Mr Mamu said.
Mr Gumi had also prayed for the immediate release of the remaining victims and urged government to intensify efforts towards securing their freedom.
He said the delay in releasing the remaining victims is unnecessary and one that is achievable once the right approach is taken.
