President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with the students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, in Katsina State.
Hundreds of the schoolboys were kidnapped by suspected bandits on Friday, December 11. They were released on Thursday, December 17 in Zamfara State and taken to Katsina State on Friday morning amidst tight security.
The President who received the boys in company of the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, and some top Federal and state government officials, addressed them in Hausa language and charged them not to be distracted by the incident.
The president, who narrated how he went through some difficulties early in life, said the situation did stop him from accomplishing his mission.
”You students are very lucky, concentrate on your studies, don’t allow your terrible experiences in the hands of those heartless bandits distract you from your studies.
He also challenged security officials to always put in the the fear God while carrying out their responsibilities of protecting citizens.
Buhari thanked Gov. Aminu Masari for his efforts in ensuring the successful release of the abducted students.
He thanked all those involved in the release of the students, especially the Federal and State governments, as well as the military.
In his remarks, Governor Masari highlighted the efforts made which led to the release of the schoolboys, saying security should be the responsibility of all and not just of the government.
President Buhari met with the boys a day after they were released by their captors who abducted them from the Government Science Secondary School in Kankara.
The total number of students brought back to Katsina was 344, Governor Masari confirmed.
Boko Haram terrorist group, which has carried out a series of attacks in the North East for more than a decade had claimed responsibility for the abduction.
