Federal Government Allegedly Paid N800M For Kagara Students’ Release
The Federal Government (FG) has reportedly paid the huge sum of 800 million naira to bandits who recently kidnapped some students in the Niger state.
Recall that it was previously reported that bandits attacked the Government Science Secondary School, Kagara, Niger State, kidnapping dozens of students and school staff.
Furthermore, the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, also saw the death of a student.
Now, indications have emerged that the FG has paid a ransom of N800m to secure the release of the captives. Specifically, sources reveal that the money was transported to the Tagina forest, where bandits take refuge.
In addition, the negotiations for the rescue were allegedly coordinated by the renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Abubakar Gumi; as well as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno.
Consequently, the bandits are said to have released all the students and officials kidnapped in Kagara.
The FG is expected to make the official announcement today.
The popular Islamic cleric Sheikh Gumi had previously called on the FG to extend a “general amnesty” to bandits willing to embrace peace.
Furthermore, Sheikh Gumi revealed that the move would go a long way towards solving the current insecurity.
Equally important, the Islamic scholar revealed this on Friday while he was addressing journalists in Minna, the capital of Niger state.
Sheikh Gumi spoke after meeting with the bandits who kidnapped staff and students from the Government Science Secondary School, Kagara, Niger State.
“The federal government should give them a general amnesty. Then if someone continues, we will take care of them, ”Sheik Gumi said.
Furthermore, he explained that some of the bandits complained that their members were being unjustly killed and maimed.
“The result is very positive. We have many factions and each faction says I have complaints and complaints. We are hunted, arrested, lynched – ”said the cleric.
Meanwhile, the news of the alleged payment of the ransom of the sum of N800m to the bandits by the FG is currently causing a furor on social media.
Consequently, Nigerians have turned to the microblogging site Twitter to react to the development.
Below are reactions by Nigerians on Twitter:
I just joined a band, we call ourselves Bandits, and we collect nothing less than #800m for a show.
— Remix 🦍 (@dammie_remix) February 19, 2021
Buhari is ready to negotiate with all sort of criminals from the North, ranging from Bandits, Herdsmen, Boko Haram & what have you, but he is not ready to hear IPOB, ESN & armless #EndSARS protestors.#800m is just a compensation, Buhari is selling Nigeria in our very eyes.
— FiReFLY🔥🐝 (@getKennethed22) February 19, 2021
Last year, Snakes and monkeys were swallowing Currencies, this year they’re paying Terrorists #800m. New year new format, steady cash out.
— Cypher (@justQwertyy_) February 19, 2021
Why is this govt doing like this na….. Them for just give the youths the money, we go enter the forest rescue those pikin na………#800m pic.twitter.com/ggBX8Kpno6
— Austine (@Austine_e7) February 19, 2021
