Giving glory to God, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Dr. Israel Akanji, has announced the release of five students and the matron of the Bethel Baptist High School Kaduna, kidnapped weeks ago.
Last week, 10 of the students of the school were freed.
Everyday.ng recalls that in the early hours of 5th July, 93 days ago, bandits invaded the school and kidnapped 121 students, and resorted to releasing them in batches, following what many suspect has been payment of ransom.
A short statement from Dr. Akanji on Friday evening reads: “Five of our Bethel Baptist High School students and the Matron (making 6) have just been released to us this evening, October 8. We thank God and trust that the remaining four students will also be released. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Elsewhere in Zamfara, the Police has handed over 187 freed kidnapped victims for urgent medical treatment in Zamfara
A statement by the State Police Command spokesman, SP Mohammed Shehu said the 187 were freed unconditionally following the implementation of new security measures by Zamfara State Government.
According to him, security agencies have been carrying out assaults on identified bandits locations in different parts of the state with a view to ridding the state of all activities of recalcitrant bandits and other criminal elements.
The statement adds, “(On 7th October, 2021) Police Tactical operatives in joint operations at Tsibiri Forest in Maradun LGA succeeded in the unconditional rescue of 187 victims abducted in Rini village of Bakura LGA, Gora village of Maradun LGA, Sabon Birni village and Shinkafi in Shinkafi LGA respectively . The abducted victims who spent many weeks in captivity were unconditionally rescued following extensive search and rescue operations that lasted for hours.
“The Commissioner of Police Zamfara State Command, CP Ayuba N Elkanah… while handing over the rescued victims to the representative of (Governor) Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle… and also the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe Sardaunan Dan Isa, said the new security measures in the State have been yielding tremendous result, as it has led to the successful rescue of many abducted victims that run into hundreds, and have been reunited with their respective families.
“Similarly, bandits and their collaborators have been arrested, some have been charged to court while others are undergoing discreet investigation at the State CID Gusau.
“The CP further assured that, Police and other security agencies will continue to put in their best to ensure the return of lasting peace and security in the state. He sympathised with the victims for the suffering they passed through while in captivity and promised that the Police will redouble their commitment to protect lives and properties of the citizens of Zamfara State.
“The Representative of (the Governor) while taking over the rescued victims thanked the Police and other security agencies for their resilience and hard work in the enforcement of the new security measures, and assured them of the state government’s continuous support and encouragement to perform their duties effectively. He further said that, the state Government will ensure that the victims are adequately treated before being reunited with their families.”
