30 abducted students from Kebbi school freed by bandits after four months

Yusuf Bello/ Thirty students abducted from the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri in Kebbi State by bandits in June have regained freedom.

The bandits stormed the school and kidnapped an unspecified number of students and four teachers.

Mr Yahaya Sarki, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, confirmed the release of the students in a statement on Thursday.

“Today Thursday, the 21st of October 2021, thirty (30) students of the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri have arrived Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital following their release while efforts are still continuing to secure the release of the remaining,” he said.

“They shall undergo medical screening and support while being reunited with their families. We thank all those who have helped in securing the release, while congratulating Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari, for the success.”

While authorities have yet to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the bandits, some of the students and teachers have since regained freedom.

The bandits had on June 17, attacked the school during which the assailants killed a police officer guarding the school as they battled to repel the attack.

Confirming the attack then, the Police Public Relations Officer in Kebbi, Nafi’U Abubakar, said the assailants who carried out the attack used a hijacked white Hilux van marked KBSG 29 belonging to a state high court judge to convey the victims.

-Cover pix used to illustrate the story