TheCable

Abubakar Bello, governor of Niger, says his state has received “little or no support” from the federal government towards the rescue of students and staff abducted from Government Science College, Kagara.

The governor spoke when Orji Kalu, senate chief whip, paid him a condolence visit over the abduction.

TheCable had reported that 27 students, three staff, and 12 family members at the school were kidnapped by bandits last Wednesday.

The Niger governor had earlier said the state was at the final stage of negotiation for the release of the abducted victims.

But according to a statement by Mary Noel-Berje, his chief press secretary, the governor lamented that, at the moment, “he has little or no support from the government at the centre” but reiterated the state government’s commitment to secure the release of the abductees.

“At the moment we did not feel any federal presence here. Yes, agreed the Inspector General of Police sent us four Mobile units but we have to shoulder all the financial responsibilities,” Bello said.

“So, where is the support? There is no support from anyone. Yes, we had a delegation that came to commiserate with us, finished. We are left to ourselves.

“Be that as it may, we have already made a commitment to Nigerlites that we will bring the children back home safely with or without anyone’s support and that is exactly what we are going to do to ensure the safe return of these kids soon, using resources within our means.”

Earlier, Kalu had called on the federal government to set up a joint security committee in Minna to fastrack the release of the victims.

Kalu said security issue has become a big challenge in the country and particularly in Niger state considering its large land mass.

He suggested that the committee should comprise representatives of all the security outfits in the country as it will help the existing commands in the state.