The Katsina State Government has confirmed the rescue of 334 abducted students of Government Science Secondary School in Kankara area of the state, saying they are being returned to the state from Zamfara where they were kept in captivity.
Their release thrilled President Muhammadu Buhari who commended the state government and the military for a job well done.
Recall that Boko Haram had last week abducted about 600 students from GSSS in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
A few days later, Boko Haram had claimed responsibility for the abduction.
The pupils might be presented today to the president, who is currently in Daura, his hometown, on a week-long private visit to the state, GNB News learnt.
Their release came on a day protesters marched on Abuja and Katsina against the worsening insecurity in the North, especially the abduction of the schoolboys.
The Director-General, Media to Katsina State Governor, Mr. Abdul Labaran, confirmed the release of the captives to news agency, saying the bandits freed them in Zamfara forest where they were kept.
It was learnt that top government officials, including security agents, were heading to Kankara to receive the children.
Labaran said: “Yes, the students have been released by their abductors.
Three hundred and forty four of them are currently being transported from Zamfara forest to Katsina State Government House this night (Thursday).”
He, however, was silent on whether or not ransom was paid for the release of the schoolboys.
Masari, who was billed to address the media shortly on the saga, had said on Wednesday that the government was in negotiations with the bandits through the leadership of Miyetti Allah, the central organisation of Fulani herders.
Reacting to the report on the release of the schoolboys, Buhari described their safe return as a big relief to their families, the entire country and the international community.
The president, in a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, expressed the nation’s appreciation for the steps taken by all involved to make their release possible.
He lauded what he called the “spirit of partnership and the collaborative efforts of the governments of Katsina, Zamfara and military leading to the release.’’
He commended the nation’s intelligence agencies, the military and police force for providing the environment for the safe release of the hostages.
“The Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, and the army worked extremely hard. As soon as I got the information I congratulated them. The armed forces know their job. They have been well trained and properly motivated,” he stated.
