Family members of the abducted and missing passengers on the ill-fated AK9 Kaduna-bound train have appealed for the “unconditional and safe release of their relatives.
Recall that on Monday, March 28, terrorists had bombed the Abuja-Kaduna train, killing about eight passengers and abducting many others.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, while confirming the incident said about 392 passengers were onboard the ill-fated train.
According to the NRC, while about 182 are have safely reunited with their families, about 162 other passengers are either abducted by the gunmen or missing in the forest.
In a statement signed on Tuesday, the next of kins of the victims under the aegis of #SaveAK9Passengers called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the unfolding hostage situation.
They also appealed to the president to bring to bear his care and compassion for citizens, especially as a father and grand-father and above all as the President of the country.
The victims relatives also begged the government for a swift and safe intervention to bring the victims out safely, unharmed and in good health.
The statement said: “Available public records including the train manifests made show several women and children as part of the passengers who were abducted.
“Our appeal is hinged on the fact that a lot of the passengers are suffering from various ailments and on life saving drugs that need to be taken daily in prescribed doses.
“The ailments range from diabetes, hypertension and ulcer,” said Umar Abdullahi, whose sister is also amongst those abducted.
The tragic incidence has left several families in anguish and trauma.
