The federal government countered speculations on Monday that a ransom was paid to secure the release of the over 200 schoolchildren abducted from Kuriga village in Kaduna State.
According to the FG, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s promise, no ransom was paid for the rescue of the kidnapped schoolchildren.
The clarification was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was presided over by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja today (Monday).
“As promised by Mr. President, they have been rescued. No ransom was paid,” the minister noted.
News About Nigeria recalls that President Tinubu had vowed that the Federal Government would not pay any ransom to secure the release of abducted victims.
The minister also expressed the president’s gratitude to the National Security Adviser (NSA), service chiefs, and all those who played crucial roles in securing the students’ release.
He also further revealed that the President Tinubu-led administration is working tirelessly towards ending insecurity and kidnapping, which are now rampant.
Idris also noted that, in line with this mandate, the President has charged security agencies to intensify efforts to halt the menace of kidnapping across the country.
“The President has also charged security agencies to make sure kidnappings are brought to a halt, and all the perpetrators of kidnapping will be fished out and punished,” Idris said.
Similarly, the Kaduna state governor, Uba Sani, has also clarified that 137 students were abducted, as against reports that 237 students were taken into custody by the kidnappers.
The governor, while making the clarification, expressed his gratitude to God for preserving all the schoolchildren while they were in captivity and for bringing them back unhurt.
