Students’ Abductors Contacted Us – Gov Masari Hints Buhari
BY EDMOND ODOK – About Seventy-two hours after whisking away students in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina state, the abductors are in touch with Governor Aminu Bello Masari for negotiations
According to confirmed reports, the governor told President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday that the kidnappers were in contact with the state government over the fate of the missing students.
The gunmen had, on the evening of Friday, December 11, 2020, attacked Government Science Secondary School in the Kankara council area of the north-west state, kidnapping scores of students.
Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu disclosed this in a statement after the visit of Governor Masari to President Buhari in Daura.
The presidential aide stated in the statement that; “The Governor, who was accompanied by the Deputy Governor of the state, Manir Yakubu, said the kidnappers had made contact and discussions were already on pertaining to safety and return to their homes.
Governor Masari further hinted that security agencies were in the know of current location of the missing children and expressed optimism that based on efforts made so far, “the outlook is positive.”
The former Speaker House of Representatives said the federal government was committed in its resolve to rescue and bring the school children back home safely.
Garba’s statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Daura, Katsina State, received more briefing on children kidnapped from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, with an assurance from Governor Aminu Bello Masari of steady progress to bring them out unharmed.
“‘We are making progress and the outlook is positive,’’’ the Governor told newsmen after an hour meeting with the President, which started at 2pm.
“The Governor, who was accompanied by the Deputy Governor of the state, Manir Yakubu, said the kidnappers had made contact and discussions were already on pertaining to the safety and return to their homes.
“Governor Masari also noted that security agencies had located the position of the children.
“The Governor said the President was fully committed to the rescue of the school children, adding that it was only appropriate to visit the President and give him more details of rescue efforts.”
Police authorities had confirmed receiving reports around 11:30 pm on Friday, December 11 indicating that the bandits were armed with AK-47 rifles during the attack.
