Some of the pupils at Government House
Governor confirms death of one pupil, receives 90
Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, on Friday received 90 of the pupils of Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School, Tegina, in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, who were freed by the bandits on Thursday after payment of ransom by the parents. They were abducted since May 30 this year.
However he said sadly that one of the abducted pupils from Salihu Tanko Islamic School Tegina on May 30 died in the captivity of their abductors.
He received the children at the Government House, Minna.
At a press conference following the reception for the children, the governor confirmed the death of one of the children but did not explain the circumstances.
He said: “The children have been medically examined and declared fit to join their families, except for four of them who will require more medical attention.”
Bello added: “In total, 91 children were kidnapped and we have received 90. Unfortunately, we lost one of them.”
He said that alongside the 90 children, there were two other abducted people who have been released as well, making the total number received as 92.
However, the management of the Islamiyya school had put the numbers of the children abducted as 136. This implies that 45 other pupils are yet to be accounted for.
Bello expressed concern over the incessant attacks by outlaws across the state, saying that their activities have been discouraging parents from sending their children to school.
He vowed that the criminals responsible for the kidnap of the pupils will be arrested and brought to justice.
His words: “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 made even 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.”
