Twenty seven students and three teachers abducted from the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri in Kebbi State have regained freedom.
This comes four months after bandits stormed the school and kidnapped an unspecified number of students and four teachers.
Mr Yahaya Sarki, who is the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, confirmed the release of the students in a statement on Thursday.
“Today Thursday, the 21st of October 2021, thirty (30) students of the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri have arrived Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital following their release while efforts are still continuing to secure the release of the remaining,” he said.
“They shall undergo medical screening and support while being reunited with their families. We thank all those who have helped in securing the release, while congratulating Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari, for the success.”
While authorities have yet to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the bandits, some of the students and teachers have since regained freedom.
Addressing the students in Birnin Kebbi, on Thursday, Bagudu, thanked God for their release while giving hope that about 60 others still being held will be freed soon.
He urged them to take heart over their abduction and four months captivity, as a trial from God.
“Even Prophets of Allah, who are the best and most faithful people, had been tested and tried; but one thing is certain that if you are tested and tried and at the same time you become patient, definitely the sky is your limit and only Allah knows your reward,” he said.
Bagudu prayed to Almighty Allah to rescue those that were yet to be released as “efforts are still ongoing to secure the release of the remaining abductees.”
The governor directed that the students should undergo medical screening and be supported, while being reunited with their families.
He thanked the security agencies and all those that had helped in ensuring the release of the students.
The 30 released abductees, comprised three teachers: two males and one female; while the students included, two girls and 25 boys.
