Niger govt speaks on delay in rescue of Kagara victims

The Niger State Government says it cannot dictate to the gunmen who abducted students and staff of Government Science College Kagara, Niger State.

The victims have been in captivity since Wednesday despite President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that they should be rescued immediately.

In a chat with newsmen, Alhaji Ibrahim Matane, Secretary to the Niger State Government, said the discussion with the bandits is ongoing.

He said efforts are being made for all the victims to be released unhurt.

“We can’t rush them (bandits) even if we have time, we can’t dictate to them. I believe they are taking their time but at the appropriate time, when we have other information, the public will know,” he said.

He debunked the rumour making rounds that the federal government paid N800million for the release of the Kagara school students.

Matane described as mere speculation, the reports that N800 million ransom has been given to the armed gang.

He said the federal government can not pay such an amount to bandits.

Accompanied by Sheik Ahmad Gumi, prominent Islamic Schola, Matane had met with bandits at Dutsen Magaji, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger, on Friday.

He had asked the bandits to support the government in securing the release of the abducted passengers of Niger State Transport Authority and the victims of Kagara.