Niger gov: No ransom was paid to rescue Kagara students

Abubakar Bello, governor of Niger, says the state did not pay ransom for the release of students abducted from Government Science College, Kagara.

On February 17, gunmen attacked the school and kidnapped students, staff members, and their relatives.

The victims, who regained their freedom on Saturday, were received at the government house, Minna, the Niger state capital.

Addressing journalists after meeting with the abductees, Bello said the government “a lot of logistics” were involved in ensuring the safe release and movement of the abductees from the kidnappers’ den to the state capital.

The Niger governor noted that security agencies, traditional rulers, and local vigilantes were involved in ensuring the safe release of the victims.

“There was no ransom. We, however, incurred a lot of logistics because we had to involve so many groups — even the logistics — to bring them, and to settle the stakeholders — I’m referring to security agencies, our local vigilantes, our traditional rulers and other stakeholders,” he said.

He also noted that the release of the victims was a difficult task for his administration, adding that they are happy the efforts yielded result.

“It was a very difficult task, very demanding, and at the end of the day, we are happy it yielded result,” he said.