Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State on Friday morning received the just released students of Salihu Tanko Islamiyya, Tegina, Niger State in the state capital, Minna.
READ ALSO: After 88 days, Bandits release Islamic students kidnapped in Niger
This was disclosed in a press release by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Mary Noel-Berje.
This came barely 24 hours after the Governor had returned from a security tour to boost the morale of joint security operatives who have successfully flushed out bandits in the Ma’undu community that was deserted by the community members due to incessant banditry activities for about a year.
READ ALSO: Gov. Sani Bello advocates joint security operations to end banditry
Governor Sani Bello while addressing newsmen in the presence of the refreshed and neatly clothed children and their joyful parents as well as other top government functionaries, said that a total of 91 children and 2 passers-by were kidnapped out of which 92 regained their freedom but unfortunately lost one of the children.
He appreciated particularly security operatives, his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rafi Local Government Chairman and all those who contributed to the release of the abductees.
The Governor expressed concern over the callous manner in which the bandits operate, adding that their activities are in no small measure discouraging parents from sending their children to school.
Governor Sani Bello, however, assured that criminals will be hunted down and be made to face the wrath of the law.
“This goes to show the sickness and madness in the heads of some people. Otherwise, I cannot explain or imagine why you should abduct an innocent three-year-old child and keep him or her for over 80 days.
“This has affected the morale and confidence in people and has made even parents think twice before they send their children to school.
“However, I can assure you that we will do whatever it takes to bring them to justice. We have put in place all necessary measures to hunt down and prosecute those involved in this heinous act.
He said the children have been medically examined and declared fit to join their families except for four of them who will require more medical attention.
The Islamic school pupils who were kidnapped on the 30th of May, 2021 were said to have arrived in Minna the state capital late last night.
The children, looking feeble and malnourished, were taken directly to a government health care facility within Minna metropolis, where the medical teams were readily available for thorough and proper medical examinations for the children after they were fed.
The Principal of the Islamic school, Malam Abubakar Garba Alhassan, appreciated the role played by the state government, security personnel and others in securing the release of the state children.
Some of the obviously elated parents shed tears of joy appreciating God for the safe release of their children.
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