Kagara School Abduction: We Won't Pay Ransom - Niger Gov Tells Kidnappers

The Governor vowed that the kidnappers won't get any ransom from the state government but will ensure the students and staff return safely.

Bello who addressed newsmen in Minna, the state capital on Wednesday said: "It is not in our policy as a government to pay ransom to bandits because we have noticed that they use this money to buy arms and ammunition. However, the government will be ready to support and assist repentant bandits.ÔÇØ

"We are deeply concerned at these recent sad events and asking the federal government to deploy every necessary resources while we will look at all options, both kinetic and non-kinetic to ensure the safe return of the victims of both incidences.

"We will not rest or sleep until we bring them back to their families.ÔÇØ

It will be recalled as previously reported by us that one student has been killed and several other students abducted as armed bandits attacked Government Science College Kagara in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

It was gathered that the bandits also kidnapped some teachers and their family members residing within the College Staff Quarters.

The students and teachers were abducted at about 2:00 am on Wednesday when the bandits stormed the school according to a government source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The source stated that bandits started shooting sporadically and in the process, a student was killed while some others sustained gunshots.

The source could not, however, give the number of persons abducted and those injured as at the time of filing the report

According to the source, the gunmen were dressed in the same school uniform used by the students, disguising themselves to be members of the school.

The bandits were said to have gathered some staff and students at a place for hours before moving them out of the school premises to an unknown destination.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the abduction of some students and staff of the Government Science College, Kagara, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State in the early hours of Wednesday.

The President reacted in a statement released through his spokesman, Garba Shehu.

The presidential aide wrote, "President Muhammadu Buhari has received reports of the brazen attack on Government Science College, Kagara, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, following which a yet to be ascertained number of staff and students have been abducted by gunmen.ÔÇØ

"Following these reports, the President has directed the Armed Forces and Police, to ensure immediate and safe return of all the captives. The President has also dispatched to Minna, Niger State a team of security chiefs to coordinate the rescue operation and meet with state officials, community leaders, as well as parents and staff of the College.ÔÇØ

"President Buhari has assured of the support of his administration to the Armed Forces in their brave struggle against terrorism and banditry and urged them to do all that can be done to bring an end to this saga, and avoid such cowardly attacks on schools in the future.ÔÇØ

"Our prayers are with families of the victims of this attack.ÔÇØ