Anthony Iwuoma
Hassan Usman, one of the abducted victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, that just regained his freedom has said their abductors were provoked to beat them up because of government attitude.
Speaking in an interview with the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) after his release, Usman thanked God for regaining his freedom, adding that he pitied those still in captivity.
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Usman, who had also spoken in the viral video released on Sunday, showing the victims being tortured, had urged the international community to intervene in the release of the remaining hostages.
He disclosed that families of the victims had on Friday attempted to rescue them but were prevented by the government before the latest effort that resulted in freedom for three of the captives.
“The government has failed in providing security for life and property. It has failed to rescue us,” Usman lamented.
“I don’t know whether ransom was paid to rescue us.”
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Usman also talked about life in captivity, saying: “When the rain started; they (terrorists) erected makeshift shelters for us. They fed us according to their capacity. At times, they even slaughtered cattle and sheep for us. Even yesterday they slaughtered a cow and we ate; we thank Allah.
“Because of the government’s attitude, they were angered and they thoroughly beat us. We were severely flogged and that was just the beginning. This makes me pity those that are still with them in the forest.”
Terrorists believed to be members of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) had attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train, killing some passengers and taking many hostage.
