* Armed Forces know their job – Buhari
Katsina State governor, Aminu Masari, has confirmed the release of 340 students of Government Science Secondary School (GSSS) Kankara, who were abducted by gunmen a week ago.
Masari, in an interview on the Nigeria Television Network (NTA) news on Thursday night, said the students initially held hostage in a forest in Zamfara State were released after negotiations with their abductors. He assured that they were on their way to Katsina on Thursday night.
According to him, it was agreed that military personnel should not use force to rescue the students, to avoid casualties. The Director-General, Media to the Governor, Mr. Abdul Labaran, also corroborated Masari’s claim.
“Yes, the students have been released by their abductors. 340 of them are currently being transported from Zamfara forest to Katsina State Government House this night (Thursday). The governor’s spokesman was, however, silent on whether ransom was paid for the release of the schoolboys.
Meanwhile, Governor Aminu Bello Masari is expected to address a world press conference as soon as the freed students arrive at the Government House.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has applauded the release of kidnapped students.
The President, in a statement on Thursday night by his official spokesperson, Garba Shehu, described their safe return as a big relief to their families, the entire country and international community.
Buhari expressed the country’s appreciation for the steps taken by all involved to make their release possible.
He specifically cited what he called the “spirit of partnership and the collaborative efforts of the government of Katsina, Zamfara and military, leading to the release.’’
Buhari also commended the country’s intelligence agencies, the military and police force for providing the environment for the safe release of the hostages.
“The Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, and the army worked extremely hard. As soon as I got the information, I congratulated them.
“The Armed Forces know their job. They have been well trained and properly motivated.
“On the issue of detainees held elsewhere in the country by either terrorists or bandits, my administration is aware of its responsibility to protect the life and property of the Nigerians.
“I urge Nigerians to be patient and fair with my administration as we tackle the problems of security, economy and corruption.
“We have a lot of work to do, especially now that we have re-opened the borders. It is unfortunate that the bandits & terrorists continue to get weapons even under the circumstances of the border closure.
“We are going to dare them and will deal with all that,” the President said.
He, however, prayed for the full recovery of the students, whom he said had endured significant hardships during their six-day ordeal.