Niger keeps students, others for medical attention before release to families

The Niger State government will keep some of the freed 38 Kagara atudents and others for a few days for close medical examinations before they will be reunited with their families.

Of the 38 from the Government Science College Kagara released from captivity by bandits, one of them could not be at the official reception by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello because he is hospitalised due to excessive exhaustion, the Niger State government has said.

The freed abductees include 24 students, six staff and eight staff relatives. However, one of the abductees is hospitalized due to excessive exhaustion.

At the postponed formal reception at the Government House, Minna, shifted for hours to shape up the exhausted and traumatised abductees, Governor Bello thanked God for their safe return, and enjoined them to see their experience as one of the lessons of life.

He urged them not to be discouraged in their educational pursuit.

He disclosed that the freedom of the students, staff and their family members was a joint effort of the State government, security agents, traditional leaders, and other relevant stakeholders.

The Governor said beyond the release, Government will put up a system to look at the root causes of banditry with a view to finding lasting solutions.

The Governor also thanked the security agencies, Nigerlites and indeed Nigerians for their efforts and prayers while the abductees were in captivity.

A statement by Bello’s spokesperson, Mrs. Mary Noel-Berje, said the released victims arrived the state capital earlier this morning and were taken to a government-owned facility for clean-up and medical examinations due to their physical appearance.

The released abductees were kidnapped on the 17th of February, 2021 when bandits stormed the Government Science College Kagara and abducted students, staff and relatives while a student, Benjamin Habila was shot dead at the school premises by the gunmen.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has welcomed the release of the abducted students in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistance on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu.

The President applauded the efforts of the Niger State Government and the nation’s security and intelligence agencies for their efforts in securing the release. He also sympathised with the kidnapped victims and their family members on their ordeals.

“We are happy they have been released”, President Buhari said.