The Niger State government has reunited the released children of Salihu Tanko Islamic School Tegina with their families.
The 90 children were formally handed over to their parents at the Government House, Minna, the state capital.
Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, said a total of 91 children and 2 passers-by were kidnapped out of which 92 regained their freedom but unfortunately one of the children died.
He appreciated the security operatives, his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rafi Local Government Chairman, and all those who contributed to the release of the abductees.
Bello condemn the callousness of the bandits, adding that their activities were discouraging parents from sending their children to school.
The Governor however assured that criminals would be hunted down and be made to face the wrath of the law.
“This goes to show the sickness and madness in the heads of some people. Otherwise, I cannot explain or imagine why you should abduct an innocent 3-year-old child and keep him or her for over 80 days.
“This has affected the morale and confidence in people and has made even parents think twice before they send their children to school.
“However, I can assure you that we will do whatever it takes to bring them to justice. We have put in place all necessary measures to hunt down and prosecute those involved in this heinous act,” the governor said.
Governor Bello said the children were medically examined and declared fit to join their families except for 4 of them who required more medical attention.
The Islamic school pupils who were kidnapped on the 30th of May, 2021 looked feeble and malnourished.
The Principal of the Islamic school Mallam Abubakar Garba Alhassan appreciated the role played by the state government, security personnel, and others in securing the release of the children.
