The Federal government’s delegation for the abducted schoolchildren from Government Science College, Kagara in Rafi local government area of Niger state, have arrived Minna, the state capital.
The delegation led by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola arrived Minna around 4 pm and was received by the state governor, Abubakar Sani Bello.
Also on the delegation were the Minister for Police Affair, Mohammed Dingydi, National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno and the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.
Newsflash had earlier reported that gunmen stormed the school early hours of Wednesday, kidnapping some students.
It was gathered that the bandits invaded the school around 3 am and killed one of the students.
“At about 3 am last night, bandits attacked Government Science College in Kagara, killing one and abducting an unknown number of students.
“Some staff members, their spouses, children were also abducted by the bandits,” a source said.
The federal government says measures are in place to ensure the safe release of abducted students and staff of Government Science College Kagara in Niger State.
Lai Mohammed stated this on Tuesday during a meeting of federal officials with Governor Sani Bello.
He assured that Nigeria will not surrender its sovereignty to criminals.
National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno said both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches would be used to secure the release of the staff and students.
Mary Noel-Berje, Bello’s spokesperson, quoted him as saying there will be both political and military efforts to resolve the issue.
The NSA added that President Muhammadu Buhari was determined to apply whatever it takes to ensure the safety of lives and property in the country.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu said strategies have been put in place to deal with the situation.
Adamu said the Police is working with other security agencies to ensure that the kidnapped students and others abducted along Zungeru-Kontagora road are freed unharmed.
He disclosed that the police has deployed four units of Mobile Police Force men to swing into action with the Department of State Services (DSS) to reinforce security.
Bello, in his remarks, expressed delight over the prompt action by the federal government.
Newsflash had earlier reported that Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, had deployed Security Chiefs in Niger state over the abduction of schoolchildren.
In a statement, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said the president has received reports of the attack on the school ”following which a yet to be ascertained number of staff and students have been abducted by gunmen”.
”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,” he said.
”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.”
“Our prayers are with families of the victims of this attack,” the president was quoted to have said as he condemned the attack on the schoolchildren.
