The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has commended the Federal Government for the release of the remaining 23 abducted March 28 Abuja-Kaduna train passengers by terrorists on Wednesday.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the CAN President, Daniel Okoh.

Okoh, who, lauded the military and all other security and intelligence agencies for the release of the abducted train passengers, equally commended President Muhammadu Buhari for “this development which signposts the efforts of the Federal Government at combating our common enemy as a nation – insecurity.”

He added: “The successful release of the remaining hostages in line with the President’s earlier directive not only indicates that the authorities mean serious business, but are ready to muster the required political will to end the reign of terror in parts of the country.

“CAN also lauds the military and all other security and intelligence agencies for the successful conduct of the operation which led to the release of the hostages. They have shown outstanding capabilities in recent times and the whole world will not fail to take note of their good efforts.

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“We believe that with the necessary support and adequate motivation, our security forces are capable of deploying world class kinetic and non-kinetic processes towards accomplishing difficult military operations that will ensure safety of lives and properties in the land.

“Therefore, the relief that came to the nation arising from the closure of the six-month captivity of the innocent train passengers must be sustained at all times.

“We must not allow the return of the days when terrorists had a free hand to do as they wished to unsuspecting travelers. Every Nigerian must be allowed to have peace, whether at home or on transit.

“We appreciate the doggedness, resilience and hope which the 23 train victims maintained all through the more than 190 days they spent in the hands of their captors even under torturous conditions.

“CAN specially commends 21-year-old Azurfa Lois, one of the captives who was reportedly unflinching in her faith in Christ Jesus, despite threats by the terrorists to marry her off to one of them and forcefully convert her to another faith.

“Her story is a testimony that God Almighty, who watches over his people will neither sleep nor slumber, but will sustain and rescue them even from the throes of death,” Okoh said.

The CAN President, therefore, congratulated all the families of the abducted train passengers for having them back alive, noting that the association will continue to “pray God Almighty to grant us lasting peace and security in the country.”

The Star