Alwan Ali Hassan, the managing director of the Bank of Agriculture, who was kidnapped together with other travellers on the tragic Abuja-Kaduna train last Monday, has regained his freedom. Hassan was one of 398 passengers who purchased tickets for the 186 km Abuja-Kaduna rail line, according to Daily Trust, but was attacked a few km into Kaduna by militants who had detonated explosives on the rail line. The MD was released, according to a terrorist who spoke in Hausa, because of his advanced age and the spirit of Ramadan. However, a source last night claimed that cash was actually given to the terrorists when Alwan confronted them and struck a bargain with them for his release. The man informed them that he is ill and that it will be their loss if they don't reach a settlement and he passes away. They settled on N100 million, which was paid in installments at several locations in Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna, according to him.
Index to Nigerian Newspapers
