NUT: Abductors of Kebbi students contacted parents but didn’t demand ransom

Isah Arzika, chairman of Kebbi state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), says the abductors of students of the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri, have contacted the parents. 

Suspected bandits attacked the school on Thursday, and kidnapped an unknown number of students.

Subsequently, five students and two teachers have been rescued, while one student was killed during a rescue mission by security operatives.

Speaking to NAN, Arzika said the kidnappers contacted the parents of the students and the family members of other abductees to inform them that their children were in their custody.

According to him, the bandits did not demand ransom.

He, however, added that the bandits have not made any contact again after the rescue mission by security agencies.

“Since the security agencies have swung into action on the bandits, we have not made fresh contact with the parents and relatives of the students and teachers still in their captivity,” Arzika said.

“When we made our first contact two days ago, precisely on Thursday, they did not demand any ransom. Instead, they told the parents and relatives that they only wanted to establish contact with them and inform them that their children are with them.

“As I am talking to you, two of our teachers have regained their freedom. Already, seven schools on the frontline in that area have been closed and more will be closed if we realise the situation is not safe for the teachers and students.

“There was communication from them, but none of them asked for a kobo. They only said they wanted to establish contact that the abductees are in their custody.

“It was yesterday (Friday) that the security agencies swung on them and since then, there was no contact again”.