The abducted students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina, have been freed.
Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Mustapha Inuwa, has announced that about 340 of the abducted students of the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, have been released.
The whereabouts of over 300 students have been unknown since Friday night when gunmen attacked the school.
Boko Haram later claimed responsibility for the incident but Aminu Masari, the governor, said bandits were behind the attack.
Inuwa confirmed this in an interview with BBC Hausa this evening, December 17.
The government official, who craved anonymity, said a total 340 students were being expected.
According to the report, the schoolboys are currently on their way to Katsina city and are expected to arrive there a few hours past midnight. BBC further reported that President Buhari is expected to receive the schoolboys at the state capital tomorrow Friday, December 18.
The boys were abducted from their school on Friday, December 11, by bandits.
It is unclear if any ransom was paid for the release of the children but some of the abductors had earlier asked the parents to raise funds for the release of their children.
Masari had also said his government was in talks with the abductors, expressing confidence that there was progress in the negotiation.
Bashir Ahmad, personal assistant to President Buhari on New Media, also confirmed the news.
”The abducted students of the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara has been rescued, the Katsina State Government has confirmed the news. Alhamdulillah!”
The abducted students of the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara has been rescued, the Katsina State Government has confirmed the news. Alhamdulillah!
— Bashir Ahmad, OON (@BashirAhmaad) December 17, 2020
President @MBuhari while receiving a Phone Call from Katsina State Governor Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari briefing him of the rescue of the abducted students of the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara. pic.twitter.com/xYnJCVlINX
— Bashir Ahmad, OON (@BashirAhmaad) December 17, 2020
