The terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train and abducted an unknown number of passengers on Monday have contacted their victims’ families.
The families said they are yet to demand ransom.
No fewer than eight people were killed by the gunmen.
This includes Trade Union Congress (TUC) Secretary-General Musa Ozigi-Lawal, TUC Kwara State chapter Chairman Akin Akinsola, National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) director at Kaduna office, Abdul Isa Kofar-Mata and a dentist Dr Chinelo Nwandowere.
About 41 others were reportedly injured.
A member of one of the families told our correspondent that the abductors informed them that their family members and many other passengers were safe.
The family member, who pleaded anonymity for security reasons, said the bandits made a telephone call on Tuesday night.
”They told us our sister and other missing passengers were with them in their camps and that she was safe. They didn’t say more than that before ending the call.
”We are scared. We are just praying for God’s intervention and her safety. We are pleading with the kidnappers to release her for us,” he said.
A journalist, whose mother and sister were kidnapped, said the bandits also contacted his brother.
”My mum and sister were on the train and are among those not accounted for.
”The bandits have contacted my brother but didn’t ask for ransom yet. They have told us that my mum and sister are with them in the forest.
”Please, join in prayer for their safe return. We are praying fervently that nothing bad will happen to them and others in their custody,” the journalist said.
