By Aiyeku Timothy
The Niger state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has insisted that his government will not pay ransom to the bandits for kidnapped students.
About 27 students, three staff and 12 members of a family were abducted at the Government Science College, Kagara in Rafi Local Government of Niger State on Wednesday.
Governor Bello, in his reaction in Minna on Wednesday, said the policy of his government stops him from paying ransom to bandits because the money would be used to buy sophisticated weapons and cause further harm.
He, however, noted that the government will be ready to support and assist repentant bandits.
“We are concerned over the recent bandit attacks in the state which have now become more brazen and daring.”
He added that “We are deeply concerned at these recent sad events and asking the federal government to deploy every necessary resources while we will look at all options, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to ensure the safe return of the victims of both incidents.
“We will not rest or sleep until we bring them back to their families,” Bello said.
Bello asked for immediate intervention from the federal government to rescue the students and other abducted persons from the hands of the bandits.
He also ordered that all boarding schools in Rafi, Mariga, Munya and Shiroro local Government Areas of the state be shut down until further notice.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has dispatched a team of security chiefs to coordinate the rescue operation and rescue students.
