Bandits are now ready to collect ransoms to free passengers of the attacked Abuja-Kaduna train in their custody.

This was made known by Samuel Aruwan, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, on Tuesday.

This demand for ransoms is contrary to the abductors’ statement in a viral video shot during the release of Alwan Ali-Hassan, Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture.

The bandits claimed they were releasing the director on humanitarian grounds and in the spirit of Ramadan.

However, they have made a U-turn and are now demanding ransoms.

READ ALSO: Prepare to Pay a Ransom, Bandits Tell Family of Man Kidnapped on Abuja-Kaduna Train

According to a report by The Nation, Aruwan confirmed that the family of a victim paid N100 million to get him out, adding that the terrorists were asking families of the remaining captives to pay ransoms in hundreds of millions.

“One of the victims paid N100million for his release. What did they really want? Next minute they will say they are not after money while another minute they will be asking for ransom,” he said.

READ ALSO: Amaechi Is to Blame for Abuja-Kaduna Train Attack, Says El Rufai

A train conveying passengers from Abuja to Kaduna was halted when gunmen blew up its track a few kilometres to the Rigasa Train Station in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, leading to the death and abduction of many passengers.

FIJ had reported that the bandits told the families of victims to prepare to pay ransoms a few days after the incident.