Emotions ran high on Thursday when the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, met with the rescued students of Federal University Gusau and assured them of improved security and immediate humanitarian response to support their recovery process.
Daredevil bandits had recently struck at the university and kidnapped 25 female students in their hostels. However, 16 of them have been rescued by security forces.
Speaking when she took the message of renewed hope to the management and students of the Federal University of Gusau, accompanied by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, the Minister said President Ahmed Bola Tinubu was concerned by the unfortunate incident, adding that he would ensure the safe return of the remaining students.
Dr. Edu, who personally interacted with some of the rescued students one after the other, stated that both the federal and state governments are working together to improve security in Zamfara State in particular and the Northwest in general.
She said, “I bring you the assurance of the President that those remaining students will be back. The President has put in place a security architecture in collaboration with the Zamfara State Government that will safeguard lives and property.”
She mentioned that one of the eight-point agendas of President Tinubu, and indeed, the primary agenda of the government, is security and the welfare of its people.
“I want to assure you that our children and our students will come back home and get back to school to continue their education.”
“The President has assured us of improved security across the country to reduce humanitarian crises and eradicate multi-dimensional poverty. We hope that very soon, the remaining nine students in captivity will be released.
“For the students, do not be deterred by the incident and continue to pursue your education. Where necessary, we will ensure their full rehabilitation and reintegration to enable them to continue their studies. Our President believes in education; he has made provisions for student loans and scholarships to assist in the education of young people,” she assured.
On his part, Governor Lawal commended Dr Edu for taking the pains “to visit us over the ugly incident that happened 10 days ago.”
The Governor assured that the state government will continue its efforts to work with the federal government to create a conducive learning environment and will also do its best to protect the lives and properties of the people, which is the primary function of government.
Governor Lawal, who stated that Zamfara needs help from the federal government, said the coming of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation was an indication of better collaboration from the federal government led by President Tinubu.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Gusau, Professor Muazu Abubakar Gusau, said the management of the university was delighted to receive the Minister at this trying time.
Professor Gusau recounted the ordeals the institution has encountered at the hands of bandits in the past, even before this administration, and called for increased security for the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor appealed to the Minister to include the university in the Ministry’s several intervention schemes.
The institution’s Student Union Representatives, led by Comrade Bello Aliyu, commended the Minister for visiting them in their trying period, asking that the students be accommodated in the National Social Investment Programmes of the Federal government.
The victims of the incident also met with the Minister, who is supporting them directly and will provide some psychosocial therapy to help with quick recovery and reintegration.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Nigeria@63: 10 takeaways from Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast
President Bola Tinubu in his nationwide broadcast on Sunday, said his administration is doing all that it can to…
Why lift of visa bans should not excite Nigerians —Akporiaye
The leadership of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents (NANTA), headed by Mrs Susan Akporiaye, has queried the excitement displayed by…
I have no regrets over any of my songs, actions —Obesere
Paramount King of Fuji Music, Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere, the Agbaakin Abobagunwa of Yorubaland, in…
#BBNaijaAllStars: Pere is irresistible, I’m trying my best, Mercy soliloquises
BBNaija All Stars finalist, Mercy Eke has declared that fellow housemate, Pere Egbi, is…
DIY: Five things baking soda can do
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, can be found in most kitchens and has many surprising uses…
Team Edo emerges 3rd position as Delta wins 7th National Youth Games
Delta State has won the 7th Edition of the National Youth Games, tagged ‘Asaba 2023,’ as…
and then