Publisher of Desert Herald newspaper, Tukur Mamu, has debunked the rumoured rescue of the remaining 27 train passengers in captivity.
In a statement, yesterday, Mamu urged the public to disregard the story about the victims’ release and tasked President Muhammadu Buhari to intensify efforts in securing their release, as their situation remains highly unpredictable.
According to Mamu, the remaining passengers in captivity are in terrible condition.
His words: “This is to confirm, without doubt, that the remaining 27 passengers of the train attack are still being held by their abductors, nearly five months after the unfortunate and preventable incidence.
“Though I have disengaged myself from negotiating, anxious family members, pressmen and concerned Nigerians have been calling to confirm the veracity of the news, while many others have, justifiably, been celebrating and even congratulating relatives of the innocent victims.”
While it is a piece of news every well-wisher of the victims is praying earnestly to hear, Mamu asserted: “It is highly irresponsible of peddlers of fake news to circulate sensitive contents that are not only unverifiable and untrue but news items that will certainly trigger anxiety and concern among the families of those still in captivity and millions of their well-wishers across the globe.
“The condition of the remaining victims is still very bad; many of them are sick and the cold weather is affecting them so much. I urge President Buhari to intensify efforts in securing their release immediately, as the situation remains highly unpredictable while the families of those that are still in the bush are incapacitated in whatever way to negotiate the safe release of their loved ones.”
Source: Guardian.ng