Buhari Rules Out Military Force In Rescue Of 31 Abuja-Kaduna Train Victims

President Muhammadu Buhari has said military force is not an option in the rescue of the remaining 31 victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train abduction.

On March 28, armed men blew up a train travelling between Abuja and Kaduna and opened fire, killing eight people, wounding 26, and taking an unspecified number of passengers hostage.

Dozens of hostages have already been freed following negotiations, but 31 remain in captivity.

Meeting with representatives of victims of the Kaduna train abduction on Thursday, President Buhari assured them that the Federal Government is doing everything within its powers to ensure their safe return.

On his recent instruction to security and law enforcement agencies to bring an end to inhumane action against innocent Nigerians, the President expressed delight, saying: ‘‘Judging by the available reports to me and news that have begun emerging in the last few days, I will say they have heard this instruction and are responding appropriately.

The President also used the occasion to commend the bravery and gallant actions taken by members of the Police Force who were onboard the train on that fateful day.

In his remarks, the Minister of Transportation, Jaji Sambo, said in the first week of his resumption in the ministry, he met with the relatives of the victims of the Kaduna train attack, updating them of all the efforts the government is making to ensure safe return of their loved ones.

He described the audience with the President as a manifestation of the efforts by this administration to secure the release of all captives, and proof that ‘‘government is not resting on its oars.’’