Niger state governor, Abubakar Sani-Bello on Friday, received the freed children of Salihu Tanko Islamic School Tegina at the government House, Minna.
The schoolchildren were released on Thursday night barely 24 hours after the governor went in security tour to boost the morale of joint security operatives who successfully flushed out bandits in Ma’undu community that was deserter by residents due to incessant banditry activities for about a year.
Addressing newsmen in the presence of the schoolchildren and their joyful parents, Sani-Bello disclosed that 91 children and two passers-by were kidnapped out of which 92 regained freedom and one of the children died.
He appreciated the 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 at which the bandits operate, adding that their activities is in no small measure, discouraging parents from sending their children to school.
He however assured that criminals would 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 even made parents to 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.
According to him, 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 reported to have arrived Minna the state capital late last night.
The children, looking feeble and malnourished, were taken directly to a government healthcare facility where a medical team were readily available for thorough and proper medical examination of the children.
The Principal of the school, Abubakar Alhassan appreciated the role played by the state government, security personnel and others in securing the released of the state children.
Some of the elated parents shaded tears of joy appreciating God for the safe release of their children.
