Professor Usman Yusuf, the secretary of the seven–person Chief of Defence Staff negotiation committee, has noted that for six months, they worked behind the scenes to guarantee that the Abuja train captives were released without paying a ransom.Infomation Guide Nigeria
This was true even though he claimed that his committee did not support paying a ransom to the terrorists. Prof. Yusuf said in an interview with Voice of America’s Hausa channel, “We did not offer the terrorists a cent to free the 23 hostages. He pointed out that ever since the committee’s work began on March 29th, 2022, they had warned the rebels not to hold hostages youngsters or pregnant women.
Other Top Stories:
- I choose to remain quite because…-Man whose wife died in auto crash in Calabar reveals
- Peter Obi and his running mate, Yusuf Datti believe gays should be killed – Femi Fani-Kayode
- Unlike Tinubu, Atiku’s whereabouts not unknown – Spokesperson
- Budget: Reps approve N8.4tn borrowing, N6.3tn debt service
“We told them nowhere in Islam encourages that. We were pleading with them to reconsider their stance and release the hostages.”
However, he said, “while, we were discussing, then suddenly, we started hearing the involvement of family members asking for the release of their loved ones and the payment of ransom.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we did not encourage the payment of ransom since day one. And when we realised all have been freed remaining the 23 hostages. We were disturbed. We sensed that it this remaining number might not have the money. They will be eventually left to rust.Jamb Result
Check Jamb Result
Check and Confirm: How much is Dollar to Naira
