NIGER: Govt contradicts bandits, says 136 students abducted, not 156

THE State Government has disclosed that 136 students of Salihu Tanko Islamic School, Tegina in Rafi Local Government Area were abducted,and not 156 as widely claimed.

Recall that the school’s head teacher, Abubakar Alhassan, had yesterday reported that the kidnappers said they had 156 pupils and staff in their custody.

He also said the group demanded a ransom of N110m for their release.

But in a statement today, Deputy Governor, Alh. Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, revealed that the captives were 20 fewer.

He also assured the parents of the abducted children that the government was doing its best for the safe return of the students. He reiterated the readiness of the government to give continued support to the security agencies.

The deputy governor disclosed that the state government has so far provided support to the security agencies.

“We have so far given 89 operational vehicles, 283 operational motorcycles, 30 bicycles, 4 Tri-cycles in addition to funding the various security operations in the state that include: Karamin Goro, Sharan Daji, Girgizan Daji, Gama Aiki, Ayem Akpatuma I & II, Puff Adder I & II”, he said.

He added that 70 Nissan vehicles and 2,300 motorcycles as mobility support have been provided to the vigilante corps in the state.

The security agencies were doing their best, he said, but also stressed that they do not have enough logistics. He therefore, called for intervention from the federal government to equip the agents so that they can effectively tackle the bandits.

The deputy governor said that the security agencies were being careful in the pursuit of bandits to avoid collateral damage.

Meanwhile, the state government has announced the total ban of commercial motorcycles popularly known as Okada in Minna the state capital.

Alhaji Ketso said the ban was to ensure that the state capital is safe. However, he stated that private motorcycles are allowed to operate but with restriction from 9 pm to 6 am.

The government said that the Okada Riders Association had been informed and that the ban will be implemented to the latter.

The deputy governor also directed all the Emirs, District Heads and village heads to liaise with local government Chairmen so as to profile all new residents in their domains and to be security sensitive.