By Kabir Dan-Katsina, Birnin Kebbi
The 24 abducted students of GGCSS Maga in Danko/Wasagu Local Government area of Kebbi State rescued on Tuesday, have been handed over to their parents by Governor Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu) to their Parents on Wednesday.
The visibly elated students noted that they never expected to reunite with parents any sooner, given the hurdles they underwent when they were abducted.
They confessed that while in captivity, they were not molested, manhandled or abused by their abductors.
According to them, the bandits took care of them in terms of food/drinks and clothing, and sometimes even chatting with them on some issues regarding situation of the country.
They commended the efforts of Governor Nasir Idris, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle and the rescue team dispatched to the forests for their safe return.
They also commended the wife of Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Nasare Nasir Idris for donating cash and wrappers to each of them.
Speaking to journalists shortly after they were handed over to their parents, Aisha Suleiman, an SS II student, disclosed that she could not imagine how she found herself in the midst of her parents and the government officials but, she thanked God for making unrealistic situation reality in her life.
Another Student, Sakina Suleiman (JSS III), expressed happiness for her release together with her mates.
“We were not humiliated at their enclave, they fed us three square meals daily and cracked jokes with us with no insults,” said Zainab Umar Kolo of SS III.
Also Hauwau Lawal of SS II revealed that she was happy to see her parents again after predicting that she would no longer reunite with them, after they were abducted from the school.
Also speaking, parents of the rescued schoolgirls collectively thanked all who secured the release of their daughters from captivity, most especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle and the rescue team.
The parents also thanked the Ulamas, Clerics, Pastors and Leaders of faiths as well as the Traditional Rulers for their prayers and contributions towards the release of their daughters.
Father of four daughters, Iliyasu Garba Birnin Tudu, expressed gratitude to Allah and all who contributed to the safe return of the schoolgirls.
Alhaji Sani Tukur, a patient of two, commended Governor, Nasir Idris and the federal government for the release of his daughters.
Also Lawal Maga, after commending the efforts of the governor and President Tinubu, called on them to improve security structures at all schools in the federation.
Speaking during the handover of the students, Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halima Bande appreciated the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nasir Idris towards the successful rescue of the students.
She made it clear that from the interview she had with them, they confessed that no any bandits abused them sexually, beaten or staved them.
The Commissioner added that after their release on Tuesday, they were taken to the hospital for medical checkup and were found fit.
“So, we are very happy that our daughters were not abused and now returned back home safely,” the Commissioner added.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris while handing over the schoolgirls to their parents at a ceremony held at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his concerns over the attack of GGCSS Maga that resulted into the abduction of 24 schoolgirls by the bandits.
“I most sincerely commend Mr. President for asking his Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle to relocate to Kebbi until the students are rescued,” said Governor Idris.
He also thanked the Ulamas, Clerics and others for their massive prayers for safe return of the abducted students, assuring that government will take more action to protect all schools in Kebbi.
He advised parents to remain calm as his administration will do all it could to safeguard education in the state.
Governor Idris also advised the students to take everything as destiny and should concentrate on their studies when they resume school.
