[News] Update: Niger state govt reunites 90 Tegina Islamic pupils with their parents

The Niger State government has received the released children of Salihu Tanko Islamic School Tegina at the government house, Minna, the state capital, and reunited them with their families.

 

 

While addressing the press, the governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, said a total of 91children and 2 passers-by were kidnapped out of which 92 regained their freedom but unfortunately 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.

 

 

He expressed concern over the callous manner in which the bandits operate, adding that their activities are in no small measure discouraging parents from sending their children to school. The Governor however assured that criminals will 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 3-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 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

 

Governor Bello said the children have been medically examined and declared fit to join their families except for 4 of them who will require more medical attention.

 

The Islamic school pupils who were kidnapped on the 30th of May, 2021 were said to have arrived in Minna the state capital late last night. The children, looking feeble and malnourished, were taken directly to a government health care facility within Minna metropolis, where the medical teams were readily available for thorough and proper medical examinations for the children after they were fed.

 

The Principal of the Islamic school Mallam Abubakar Garba Alhassan appreciated the role played by the state government, security personnel, and others in securing the release of the state children.

 

Some of the elated parents shaded tears of joy appreciating God for the safe release of their children.