Buhari orders security operatives to ensure swift release of kidnapped students, victims

Story from Kenneth AFOR, Lagos

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed Nigeria’s security agencies to ensure the safe and early release of kidnapped students and victims in Kaduna and other states in the country.

He gave the charge on Monday in a State House press release issued by Garba Shehu, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

The President expressed concern over attacks on Kaduna and Niger States by armed bandits who are largely targeting students.

He, however, noted that the ongoing deployment of additional security personnel to troubled areas would enable security agencies to “act swiftly” in rescuing all school boys and girls held captive in the affected states.

“President Buhari said the disturbing incidents of kidnapping students, mostly in Northern states, was already threatening to undermine efforts in boosting school enrolments in states that were adjudged educationally backwards.

“He called on state governments to ensure compliance with UN-supported Safe Schools Programme, which the administration had adopted.

“The President described the kidnapping as cowardly and despicable, condemning it as an assault on affected families and the nation,” Shehu stated.

Kaduna alongside Niger and Katsina States have witnessed continued adoptions of students by armed bandits of which ransom will be paid by the states to secure the release of victims except for the Kaduna State government insisting to utilize the services of security agencies.