The Niger State Government says it has begun negotiation with the bandits that kidnapped students of the Salihu Tanko Islamic Schoo Tegina in Rafi local government area of the state.
Deputy Governor of the state, Mohammed Ahmed Ketso, who disclosed this in Minna while updating journalists on Wednesday, said ransom will not be paid to the bandits.
He said government has established contacts with the abductors
“We are confident that in no distant time the children will be united with their parents,” he said.
“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 163 students were abducted by the bandits contrary to 200 earlier reported by the media, and assured that all the children will be rescued and reunited with their parents.
Ketso added that all boarding schools in the state have been converted to day system until the security situation improves.
He also announced the ban on all commercial motorcycle operators in Minna, the state capital, with effect from 3rd June, 2021.
