The governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello, has declared that only madness can make anyone abduct three years old pupils and keep them for 80 days.
The governor made the declaration on Friday while receiving 90 out of the 91 students kidnapped on May 30 by bandits who invaded Salihu Tanko School in Tegina, Rafi local government area of Niger State.
One of the pupils was said to have died in captivity.
“This goes to show the sickness and madness in the heads of some people. Otherwise, I cannot explain or imagine why you will abduct an innocent three-year-old, and keep him or her for over 80 days,” the governor said while briefing the press at Government House.
He spoke further: “Late last night, moving into the early hours of this morning, we received the abducted Tegina Islamiyya school children that were kidnapped.
“You may recall that gunmen invaded Tegina town and abducted young boys and girls between the ages of three and 12. Since then, we have been on their trail, deploying every necessary means within our efforts to secure their release. I am happy to announce that finally, we have received them.
“They arrived Minna in the early hours of this morning and since then, the medical officials have been attending to them to ensure their health status. In total, 91 children were kidnapped, and we have received 90. Unfortunately, we lost one of them. May his soul rest in peace.
“Alongside the 91 children, there were two other abducted people who have been released as well.”
The governor applauded security agencies, Rafi local government executives, the headmaster and other stakeholders who worked to secure the release of the pupils.
The governor said all the children had been checked by medical personnel and they appeared to be okay, but for four of them.
“We will be releasing them to their parents and I’m sure their parents are eager to have their loved ones back home.
“This has affected the morale, confidence in people and has made 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 all necessary measures in place to hunt down and prosecute those involved in this heinous act.”
