What Terrorists Said To Ali-Hassan, MD/CEO, Bank Of Agric On Release; Confirm Many In Custody

By Adesina Soyooye

Alwan Ali-Hassan, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, has been released by Terrorists who abducted him.

He was set free Wednesday evening after his family’s long negotiation with the terrorists. Even though it cannot be confirmed how much was paid in ransom money to the terrorists to secure his release, this magazine gathered that it ran into millions of Naira.

Before his release, four heavily armed, and well-kitted terrorists flanked the obviously tired-looking and still frightened Ali-Hassan, who wore a white “up and down” and a cap, apparently what he wore on the day of his abduction.They proudly made a speech.

The one who spoke on behalf of the terrorists confirmed they bombed the train. He confirmed many passengers are still in their custody. He said they decided to release Hassan out of compassion, on health grounds. He did not say what it cost to secure his release. He confirmed they would release other hostages only when the Federal Government fulfils their demands. He did not say what the demands were, but said they have been passed unto the relevant authorities.

Hassan was one of the 162  abducted/ missing passengers on the train which was  bombed on March 28, 2022, on its way from Abuja to Kaduna. There were eight fatalities, and 25 injured passengers. 182 others were safely evacuated and reunited with  their families.