The gunmen had previously threatened to kill the captives if the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration did not comply with their demands.

The terrorists had given the government seven days to release their children who were supposedly being held in a Yola correctional facility.

However, in a new development, the terrorists on Saturday rescinded their earlier threat to stop feeding the victims and to execute them within seven days.

Malam Tukur Mamu, the spokesperson for prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, told the Daily Post that the gunmen had agreed to look after the captives and offer medical first aid.

Mamu claimed he received the assurance after speaking with one of the terrorists’ commanders, Abu Barra, and that it came as a consequence of his continued interaction with the kidnappers.

He stated that the terrorists have given the federal government another two weeks, beginning Monday, May 30th, to free their children in exchange for the victims’ release.

He said, “I can authoritatively confirm that the earlier threat to stop feeding the over 60 abducted passengers of the Abuja-Kaduna bound train and threat to start executing the victims was successfully withdrawn on Saturday afternoon.”

Mamu, on the other hand, urged the government to agree to the gunmen’s demands to ensure the release of the innocent Nigerians who have been held captive for two months.

Gumi’s spokesman also stated that several of the victims have major health issues that require immediate attention.

He said that he accepted the mediation efforts only for humanitarian reasons and as part of Sheikh Gumi’s sacrifice and commitment to contribute to long-term peace and stability in the North West.