Terrorists who attacked an Abuja bound train 135 days ago have released a couple with their four children and another 60 year old victim.
Tukur Mamu who has been at the centre of negotiations stated this on Wednesday.
They were among the 168 passengers kidnapped in March 28 this year.
It could not be confirmed if any ransoms were paid to secure the release of the victims.
The father of the children Abubakar, is the son of a former Military Administrator of Kano and Benue States, Major General Chris Garba.
He is a staff of the National Assembly Commission.
The terrorists also released a 60-year-old woman, one Hajia Aisha Hassan who was said to have been freed 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.
At least, 42 victims have regained their freedom. The number of those still in captivity now stands at 35.
Gunmen had on March 28 blown up the rail track, killing some and abducting scores of passengers, a situation that called for serious concern about the safety of the nation’s trains.
Wednesday’s release is coming a few days after five other victims the abducted Kaduna-bound train was freed by the terrorists.
The victims freed are Professor Mustapha Umar Imam, who is a medical doctor at Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Akibu Lawal, Abubakar Ahmed Rufai Mukthar Shu’aibu and Sidi Aminu Sharif.
They secured their freedom on August 2, bringing succour to their respective families.
Channels Television gathered that they were released by the terrorists at a location inside the forest along the Kaduna – Abuja highway. From there, they were picked up by their relatives.
Worried about the situation, the Nigeria Railway Corporation temporarily suspended activities, with President Muhammadu Buhari directing security agencies to rescue the victims.