Anger As Niger Governor Travels Oversea Amid Kidnap Of School Children

Posted by African Examiner African News, Latest Headlines, News, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Monday, May 31st, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Abubakar Bello, governor of Niger state, has reportedly travelled abroad amid perennial insecurity and fresh kidnap of schoolchildren of Salihu Tanko Islamic School in Rafi Local government of the state.

The African Examiner reports that bandits had invaded the school on Sunday evening.

According to reports, the bandits arrived in their numbers on motorcycles and started shooting sporadically into the air. The incident is the second in the state this year and the series of kidnapping of schoolchildren in the northern part of the country.

In a statement on Monday, Mary Noel-Berje, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, stated that Mr Bello assured the state of the rescue and safe return of the students.

She added that the governor is expected back in the country “within the shortest period”.

Her words: “Governor Sani Bello also assured all Nigerlites that the government will continue to do all it can to protect the lives and property of its citizens while guaranteeing the continued peace and stability of the state.

“While assuring the parents of the abducted children of their safe return as the security agencies have been directed to do all it can to bring back the children as soon as possible,

“The Governor also urged the citizens to cooperate and share intelligence and information that will help in the quick rescue of the children.”

Oppositions have criticized the governor for travelling at this time when the state is engulfed in issues of banditry and lingering insecurity.