PHOTOS: Buhari visits freed train passengers in Kaduna

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, met with the passengers of the Abuja-Kaduna train who recently regained their freedom from captivity.

On March 28, an attack on a train on its way to Kaduna from Abuja resulted in killings, injuries and abductions.

A total of 61 persons were said to have been kidnapped during the attack.

The abductees have been released at various intervals, including 11 freed in June, seven in July, and 12 persons in August.

On Wednesday, Usman Yusuf, secretary, chief of defence staff action committee (CDSAC), announced the release of the 23 passengers who were still in captivity. 

According to a statement by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, Buhari paid an impromptu visit to the 23 freed passengers at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) hospital in Kaduna. 

The president had earlier attended the passing-out parade for cadets of the 69 regular course of the NDA in Afaka, Kaduna state. 

“Before boarding NAF 001 back to Abuja from the Kaduna International Airport, President Buhari detoured to the hospital, where he also thanked the Nigerian military for their brave services in securing the safe release of the hostages from Boko Haram terrorists,” the statement reads.

“Members of the Chief of Defence Staff Action Committee, led by Maj.-Gen. Usman Abdulkadir (Rtd), who facilitated the release of the train victims, were present at the hospital.

“Others are Maj.-Gen Adamu Jalingo (Rtd), Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Saad (Rtd), Dr. Murtala Ahmed Rufai, Ibrahim Abdulllahi, Amb. Ahmed Magaji and Prof Yusuf Usman, Secretary.

“The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. LEO Irabor had earlier introduced the Committee members and briefed the President.”

See photos below.