Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, on Friday, assured the parents of the kidnapped students of the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri and staff that efforts were being intensified by to ensure their safe rescue.
“The state government would do everything humanly possible to bring back these children and the staff back safely.
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“Since when this unfortunate incident occurred, all hands are on the deck to ensure that these our children and the staff are rescued alive, hale and hearty,” Bagudu said.
Bagudu spoke at the school when he visited to sympathize with the staff and students on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the people and Government of Kebbi State.
He said: “This abduction was a brazen and tragic incident where bandits confronted the policemen who were providing security to the school and empowering them.
“Unfortunately, they made away with some students and teachers. It is an unfortunate incident.
“About two weeks ago, there was the news of bandits’ movement and they were sighted around this area
“We consulted with the Federal authorities here who told us that the school has about two weeks to finish its examinations.
“It was agreed that if security can be found and stationed in the school, it is better to support the children to finish their examinations before going home.”
Bagudu also expressed delight that the Commissioner of Police was gracious enough to deploy a contingent from the Special Anti-Terrorism Taskforce.
He noted that no fewer than twenty two of the members of the taskforce were deployed to the school. “They were around even during the attack yesterday [Thursday]. Unfortunately, they were overpowered.
“Because on different accounts, the bad elements came in hundreds.”
According to the Governor, the security agents deserve commendation for their gallant efforts while trying to repel the attack.
Bagudu urged all and sundry to continue to be fair minded, pray and exchange information, adding, “by God’s grace, our children will come back to us.”
Also speaking, the Principal of the College, Alhaji Yusuf described the incident as unfortunate, adding, “it is a very sad week for all of us.”
He also commiserated with Buhari, Bagudu and the parents and expressed hope that the abductees will be rescued alive.
Yusuf also disclosed that the number of the abducted students was still being ascertained.
The Kebbi State House of Assembly member representing the area, Hon. Adamu Muhammad Birnin Yauri and the Chairman of Ngaski Local Government Area, Hon Buhari Abdullahi thanked the governor for the sympathy visit and his quick response to the matter.
The Ngaski LG Chairman narrated how the bandits also carted away property and rustled cattle in the area.
A cross section of the parents and teachers who spoke also thanked the governor for the sympathy visit as well as his quick intervention on the matter, saying that his visit has given them fresh hope.
One of the parents told the governor that his visit had given her hope and inspiration that her abducted children would be rescued. She appealed to other parents to fervently pray for the success of the rescue operation.
The governor was at the Palace of Emir of Yauri Dr. Zaiyanu Abdullahi to sympathise with him over the abduction of the school children.
The Emir of Yauri has charged government to have the political will to deal with banditry and any form of terrorism in the country.
The emir also called on people in the various localities to see it as their duty to expose those serving as informants to bandits in their communities.
He explained the effort of his emirate to come together and complement effort of the Government to deal with security challenges in the area.
Governor Bagudu also visited Yauri General Hospital where he sympathised with victims of bandits attack.
