One of the leaders of the ISWAP terrorists that attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28 is planning to marry 21-year-old Azurfa Lois John, the one of the youngest victim of the attack.
A member of the negotiating team, Tukur Mamu confirmed the development on Friday.
Mamu said the marriage could take place any moment from now.
He, however, called on the federal government and the Christian Association of Nigeria to act fast in securing the release of all the victims.
Mamu also confirmed that the oldest victim of the attack, an 85-year-old Hajiya Halimatu Atta, and her 53-year-old daughter, Adama Aliyu have been released.
The duo were part of the four more hostages released by the terrorists on Friday.
However, Mamu noted that the health condition of the 23 remaining victims is pathetic and requires urgent medical attention.
He also called on CAN not to politicize the issue or reduce it to mere press releases. Mamu urged the religious body to work closely with relevant authorities to engage the abductors on the case of Ms. John before it is late.
Read the press release below;
Press Release
A SPECIAL CALL TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN) ON ONE OF THE VICTIM, A 21 YEAR OLD AZURFA LOIS JOHN
“This is to alert the federal government and especially the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) that I can confirm through credible information at my disposal that if urgent action is not taken to immediately to secure the release of the youngest victim of the train attack, a 21 year old Azurfa Lois John, the abductors as they have done in the case of Leah Sharibu are planning to marry her any moment from now.
“One of the top commanders is said to be in love with her. This important information should be treated with the urgency it deserves. Even though I know that releasing this information will not only unsettle her immediate family and loved ones but Nigerians as a whole, it is necessary to do so to avoid the repeat of Leah Sharibu’s case.
“I advise CAN in particular not to politicized this issue or reduce it to mere press releases as I have seen in the past but to work closely with relevant authorities to engage the abductors on her case as soon as possible before it is late.
“I pray that in view of the uncertainties which is becoming alarming, the federal government will also act very fast to ensure the release of all the remaining victims.”
Mallam Tukur Mamu
(Dan-Iyan Fika)
19th August, 2022.
