NATIONAL: Kankara students arrive Katsina, to be received by President Buhari at 3pm

*To be released to their parents, guardians at a later date

THE abducted students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara arrived the Katsina State Government House at about 9.30am this morning to a reception that was hosted by Governor Aminu Masari, and top government officials.

In a television interview this afternoon obviously held at his Daura residence, and monitored by Naija Times, President Buhari hinted that he would be formally receiving the students in the company of some other Northwest governors. The meeting, it was learnt, would be held at the Presidential Lodge of the Katsina State House.

The President said he had been in touch with Governor Masari and he had been assured the students are in good shape. He affirmed that his administration was doing a lot to ensure the safety of all the citizens. He said he was certain that with all the efforts being made by his administration, “next year will be better,” security-wise.

The freed schoolboys were seen in their school uniforms, all looking unkempt, and barefooted. Some of them were limping, an indication that they had sustained injuries in the course of the sad expedition they were subjected by their abductors. Many of them also clutched blankets, suspected to have been given to them while in transit in Zamfara.

Many of their parents were also in attendance at the Katsina state house reception. One of them on live TV, praised Allah for the relief of seeing his two boys alive. “Alhamdulillahi”, he repeated effusively.

After the State reception, Governor Masari, in a press conference, said the schoolboys would be bathed, fed and given new clothes to wear, while doctors and psychologists would attend to them before they would be released to their parents and guardians in consultation with the respective local government authorities from where they come individually.

Said Masari at the conference, “Today is historic, not only for Katsina State and Nigeria, but also for the children that were rudely abducted from their school. We commend the effort made by the security agencies and other relevant authorities in ensuring the release of the boys

“We thank Allah for his mercies and continue to pray for His guidance and protection.’’

‘’For those who actually participated in ensuring their release we thank you, security is the responsibility of every one.’’

Stressing that security is the responsibility of everyone, Masari said since the students are from all over the state and even from outside, the 34 local government areas of the state would be involved in the process of rehabilitating the students and reuniting them with their parents.

The Commander 17 Brigade, Brigadier-General WB Idris, in his address at the reception, reported to the governor, “the continued efforts by security agencies to rescue the boys have yielded positive results today; we are handing over 344 students of GSSS Kankara to you so that you can hand them over to their parents.’’

The boys, who regained their freedom last night after negotiations facilitated by leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, arrived in seven buses, accompanied by heavily armed security operatives.

The students abducted by gunmen reportedly riding on motorcycles had spent six days in custody of the bandits since the night of December 11.

They had spent the night in Tsafe, Zamfara State, where they were hosted by Governor Bello Mattawalle; and were driven into Katsina early this morning.

In a statement last night, President Buhari had praised what he called the “spirit of partnership and the collaborative efforts of the government of Katsina, Zamfara and military leading to the release.’’

Said the president, “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.”