Niger School Abduction: FG assure rescue of captives

…….says Katsina tactics will be used to free kidnapped students in Niger

Victoria Ogunrinde

The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi on Wednesday assured that the school children and teachers kidnapped in Niger state by unidentified Gunmen will be rescued, adding that the same strategy used in rescuing the school children earlier kidnapped in Katsina will be adopted.

Magashi while speaking with newsmen on the screening of the newly appointed Service Chiefs by the House of Representatives, said the service chiefs will swing into action immediately they are through with the screening exercise by the lawmakers and track down the kidnappers with a view to rescuing the children.

He said “we have demonstrated our ability to take on the challenge. We have done it in Katsina; when children were kidnapped, within two days, we got them back. Hopefully, this time, we will do the same (thing) to get this these captives back. We are planning.

“We have not got a feedback on the activities going on in Niger State. But I am that before the end of the day, we will be given a full brief on what is going on in Niger State”.

The minister who insisted that everyone have a responsibility to ensure there is adequate security, said “Well, is it the responsibility of the military alone? It is the responsibility of everybody to be alert and ensure safety when necessary.

“We shouldn’t be cowards. Sometimes the bandits come with about three rounds of ammunition and when they fire shots everybody will run. In our younger days, we stand to fight any form of aggression.

“Why should people run away from minor, minor aggressions? We should stand and face them. If these people know that the people have the competence and capability to defend themselves, they will run away.”

The Minister however said government will ensure no Nigerian is hurt and will protect the territorial integrity of the county.

Furthermore, Magashi dismissed clamour for Nigerians to be allowed to bear arms to defend themselves, saying “It is an issue currently even in the developed country. They are still debating on whether to continue (to allow people bear arms) or stop. But I don’t advice Nigerians to bear fire arms for internal use.”