Kaduna State Government said contrary to reports in certain sections of the media, the bond between Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, and the parents of the abducted students of Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, and other citizens in captivity is deep empathy amidst spirited efforts to secure them.
This came hours after parents of the abducted students held a press conference, where they alleged that the kidnappers are requesting for N500m Ransom and threatening to kill the students if their demands are not met.
The parent however called on President Muhammadu Buhari to help bring their children home while pleading with Governor Nasir El-Rufai to bend his stance on not negotiating with criminals.
But a statement by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan said the Governor will continue to work hard until banditry is contained, without succumbing to emotional blackmail and gradual politicization of the unfortunate situation.
The statement cited that, “some section of the media have been reporting the parents responses to purported threat by the Governor to prosecute them, which is simply false and deeply mischievous.”
“Contrary to the mischief in some sections of the media, the bond between Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and the parents of the abducted students of Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, and other citizens in captivity, is deep empathy amidst spirited efforts to secure them.”
Arumwan said “the statement of the Government warning impostors who have been presenting themselves as Government-appointed emmissaries to negotiate with bandits across the State, has nothing to do with the parents or relatives of the abducted students or any other person in captivity.
” It was rather directed primarily to some identified individuals exploiting the security situation in the State, and neighboring States.
“Finally, the State Government will not join issues with the parents whose pain we understand and with whom we share the common goal of the return of all the abducted students.
” The state government continues to work towards crushing banditry, kidnapping and other acts of criminality menacing our people and communities.
” We believe that most people of goodwill share this desire, and we urge everyone to be wary of those who see in the misery of others only an opportunity for needless controversy.”
