30 Kebbi school students, teacher regain freedom after 6 months

Thirty abducted students of Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri in Kebbi State and a teacher have regained their freedom after spending six months in captivity.

Yahaya Sarki, the Special Adviser on Media to Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, confirmed the release via a statement issued on Saturday.

Channels Television had reported how the victims, whose total number is yet to be disclosed, were kidnapped by bandits on June 17, 2021, a situation that led to the death of a police officer.

Two weeks after, two out of the abducted students were freed, although it is not clear if any ransom was paid to secure the release of the students.

But the governor’s spokesman said the released victims would undergo medical screening before being handed over to their respective families.

“Today, Saturday 8th January 2022, 30 students of Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri, and one teacher have arrived Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State capital, following their release.

“They shall undergo medical screening and support while being re-united with their families,” the statement partly read.

Sarki then thanked security agencies and congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for the release.

“We thank all security agencies and those who have helped in securing the release, while congratulating Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari, for the success,” he said.

Thousands of people were killed or kidnapped in Kebbi and other North-west states last year.

The attacks, by terror groups operating as bandits, have continued despite the efforts of security agencies.