A member of the negotiating team, Tukur Mamu, who confirmed this, yesterday, to Channels Television, said Abubakar, son of the former military administrator of Kano and Benue States, his wife, Maryama, and his four kids were released, although it was not clear if ransom was paid to the terrorists for their release.

Also released was a staff of the National Assembly Commission and a 60-year-old woman, Hajia Aisha Hassan, who was said to have been freed by the terrorists on compassionate grounds over to ill-health.

So far, 42 victims have regained their freedom with 35 still held captive by the terrorists. Yesterday’s release came a few days after five other victims of the Kaduna-bound train had regained their freedom.

Those freed last week included Professor Mustapha Umar Imam, a medical doctor at Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Akibu Lawal, Abubakar Ahmed Rufai Mukthar Shu’aibu, and Sidi Aminu Sharif.