Kaduna abductions: Bandits targeted us because of our stance, says el-Rufai

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, says his government expected attacks by bandits.

In recent times, aside from attacks on residents, bandits have invaded schools in Kaduna, abducting students and teachers.

Last Friday, 39 students were abducted when gunmen invaded the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation in Afaka, Igabi LGA of the state.

On Monday, gunmen attacked UBE primary school at Rama in Birnin-Gwari LGA of the state and abducted some teachers.

However, the governor has insisted that his administration will not negotiate with bandits.

Speaking on Wednesday when he received Isiaka Amoo, chief of air staff, in Kaduna, el-Rufai commended the military for its efforts to improve security in the state, and urged them to do more.

He, however, insisted that schools in the state — aside from those located in select locations — would remain open, despite incessant attacks by suspected bandits.

“We will keep our schools open. We are confident that with the guidance that we have been getting from the garrison commander, base commander, the AOC, GOC and the ability of the security agencies to respond in a timely manner, our schools will remain open,” he said.

“So far, all the attempts by bandits to carry out abductions have not been fully successful. This is largely due to the preparatory work done by the security agencies in advance.

“We knew we would be targeted because of our stance. But the security agencies were ready for them.

‘’We appreciate the efforts and the timely response of the armed forces and we will continue to urge you to sustain the tempo.”

The governor, however, said while schools will remain open, only the most vulnerable schools that “the security agencies, due to terrain and distance, cannot get there very quickly, will be closed”.

He said the decision was reached on Tuesday when he met with senior government officials, heads of security agencies, civil society organisations, and clerics to discuss the security challenges.

Meanwhile, the state has directed the closure of all schools in Kajuru LGA over security concerns.