Tegina Kidnapping: Niger govt turns all boarding to day schools, buys 2,000 bikes
The Niger government says it has converted all boarding schools to day schools and bought over 2,000 motorcycles to stem the rising tide of abductions following the kidnap of Tegina schoolchildren.
It added that it had begun negotiation with bandits responsible for the kidnapping of the pupils of Salihu Tanko Islamic School, Tegina, Rafi local government area of the state.
The government also said it was aware of the ongoing negotiation between the parents of the abducted pupils but insisted that it would not pay any ransom for the safe release of the pupils.
Deputy Governor Mohammed Ketso stated this in Minna on Wednesday while updating journalists on the abducted pupils.
“Niger state government is negotiating the release of the abductees, and we are confident that in no distant time, the pupils will be united with their parents.
“Government is in touch with some of the parents of the kidnapped children. They have been assured of the safe return of their wards,” he said.
The deputy governor also said that contrary to reports that 200 children were abducted, only 163 children, including some staff were taken away by the bandits.
“Government has established contacts with the abductors,” he said.
He assured the public that all the pupils would be rescued and reunite with their parents safely.
As part of the security measure, he also said the government had converted all boarding schools in the state to day schools until further notice.
Mr Ketso stated that the state banned commercial motorcycle operators in Minna with effect from June 3.
According to him, only private motorcycles will be allowed to operate between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
“These are parts of measures being put in place by the government towards addressing the rising security situation in the state, especially Minna, the state capital,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the security agencies with needed logistics to secure the state.
“We have so far given 89 operational vehicles, 283 operational motorcycles, 30 bicycles, four tricycles in addition to funding the various security operations in the state.
“These are in addition to 70 vehicles and 2,300 motorcycles as mobility support for the vigilante corps in the state,” Mr Ketsu disclosed.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
World
Mamdani Threat: Trump says Netanyahu won’t be arrested in U.S.
Mr Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Monday, dismissed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s threat to arrest the Israeli leader to face prosecution at the International Criminal Court in The
Politics
Gov Aiyedatiwa celebrates Akeredolu’s legacy on posthumous birthday
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has paid tribute to Rotimi Akeredolu on his 70th posthumous birthday.
Economy
Vehicle duty reduction helpful not transformative: Stakeholders
Transport stakeholders say the federal government’s reduction in vehicle import duties has provided modest relief but is yet to transform the transport sector.
Economy
U.S. 50% tariff violates trade agreement, threatens Canada’s sovereignty: Carney
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the U.S. 50 per cent trade tariff, saying it violates the free trade agreement between Canada, America, and Mexico.
Hot news Home top
Husband pays ‘hired killer’ $1,720 advance to murder his wife, mother-in-law
The aggrieved husband wanted his wife killed because she planned to file for divorce.
Anti-Corruption
Agricultural firm Scoular to pay over $10 million to resolve foreign bribery case
Scoular employees communicated about shipments and bribes. In total, Scoular authorised bribes of more than $400,000 and avoided fees and costs of more than $6.5 million.
