The management of the Federal University Dutsin Ma, Katsina State, has confirmed the release of five students of the university who were abducted 74 days ago
Armaya’u Bichi, the vice chancellor of the university, disclosed the development on Friday while briefing journalists in the state.
According to Bichi, five female students were abducted by unknown bandits on October 3, 2023, adding that one of the abducted students was lucky to escaped few days after the abduction while the remaining victims remained in captivity until now
“Today (Friday) with the help of God, the students have been released. The students are on their way home but would be taken to Abuja to meet the National Security Adviser where they would also be taken to the hospital for medical checkup after which they would be handed over to their families,” Mr Bichi said in a voice recording aired by the DW Hausa.
Bichi further explained that the effort of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, led to the release of the students adding that no ransom was paid to secure their release
“No money was paid before their release. Neither government nor the families of the abducted students paid money before the release of the students. It was the efforts of the National Security Adviser. He knows the effort he made to ensure the release of the students. You know it’s a security issue and we’ll not be making it public,” he said.
Also confirming the release of the students, former member of the senate Senator Shehu Sani, express his excitement via his X handle (formerly known as Twitter).
He said, “After over two months in captivity, it’s a great relief to receive the news of the release of the abducted students of the Federal University Dutsin Ma in Katsina State. Kudos to the NSA and other security chiefs who played a role in securing their freedom.”
“It’s self-evident that there is now a more proactive and serious response to hostage situations than it used to be in the past. Despite this feat, protecting the people against terrorists should be the top priority.”
Recall that days before the abduction of the students, terrorists attacked hostels of the Federal University Gusau where several students were said to have been abducted.
However, few of them have been rescued by security agents as 20 still remain in captivity.
