Kaduna Govt hands over five freed students to parents

The Kaduna State Government, on Thursday, hand over the five out of the 39 kidnapped students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Mando in Igabi Local Government Area of the state released by bandits to their parents.

On Thursday night, March 11, 2021, the gunmen in huge numbers attacked the school situated opposite the Nigerian Defence Academy along the Kaduna International Airport road and kidnapped 39 students.

A number of of the students were in a viral video released by the gunmen on Saturday after their kidnapping, in their night clothes.

During handing over the five students to their parents are the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, Mr Samuel Aruwan, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, declared that the five released students had been medically certified to be physically and mentally stable, having gone through intensive medical check-up at military facility in the state.

Aruwan disclosed that the government has likewise instructed the State Emergency Agency and the Ministry of Human Development and Social Welfare to offer direct support for the released students.

The State Commissioner gave the names of the five students who reclaim their freedom as Abubakar Yakubu, Francis Paul, Obadiya Habakkuk, Amina Yusuf and Maryam Danladi.

He further said that the state was aggrieved with the situation of the kidnapped students and will not relax on its efforts until the remaining students were freed.

The Commissioner stated, “The following students are being handed over to their parents; Francis Paul, Maryam Danladi, Abubakar Yakubu, Amina Yusuf and Obadiah Habakkuk

“These students have undergone thorough medical checks and preliminary psychological evaluation at a Military facility, and have been certified physically and mentally stable. However, there is of course the need for post-trauma evaluation.

“It is in that light, that the Kaduna State Government is handing them over to their parents.

“Upon their retrieval, the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, immediately directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development to offer direct support with the management of the students.

“Food, clothing and other immediate essentials were provided to the students, and they were housed at a shelter for debriefing.

“The Kaduna State Government’s empathy with the families and loved ones of all the hostages is as important and deep rooted as its obligation not to provide incentives for criminality.

“The Kaduna State Government shares deeply in the pain and distress experienced by the parents and families of all the hostages in this difficult time. As such, the Government will continue to work towards the safe return of the students in captivity.

“The Governor has emphasised that the government, parents, students, the school management and all Nigerians have one common goal, and that is having all the students, and indeed all those in captivity back home, and to work hard towards overcoming this common asymmetric threat. By the grace of God, we will succeed.

“I also wish to appeal to the parents of the remaining students to stay strong. Government and security agencies are working patiently and consistently to secure the release of the students and all abducted persons.

“It is on this note that we officially hand over the students to their parents.”