Minister appeals for safe return of abducted Niger students

The Minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has appealed for the release and safe return of 27 students of Government Science College in Kagara, Niger State.

This incident which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday left one student dead.

Farouq who condemned the abduction in its entirety, however, prayed for the immediate and safe return of the students.

“Our prayers are with the students and staff as well as family members of students of Government Science College, Kagara, in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State where 27 students, three staff and 12 of their family members were abducted by gunmen.

“We pray for the repose of the soul of the student who was killed and comfort for his family even as we condemn the abduction of these young students whose only crime remains to get an education.

“All of us at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development are praying for their rescue, safe return and that this is resolved soon,” she said.

While reacting to the crisis which led to the death of some Nigerians in Shasha area of Oyo State, the Minister who expressed sadness over the avoidable ethnic violence, observed that in a community where different ethnic groups co-exist, people should learn to live in peace, tolerate one another and be patient with each other.

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“It is unfortunate that a minor misunderstanding had generated into a conflict that claimed lives and properties.

“I commensurate with the families that lost their beloved ones as well as those who lost their properties. May Allah grant the departed eternal rest.

“It is good news that relevant security agencies have intervened and normalcy is gradually returning to the community.

“As the government is restoring peace to the conflict area, victims would be provided with necessary relief materials,” the Minister stated.

In a related development, the Minister commiserated with the victims of the Borno IDP Campfire disaster which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.

The Minister in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Bashir Alkali, expressed grief over the unfortunate incident which claimed three lives, two adults and an infant, and affected about 3,600 IDPs and hundreds of shelters razed down.

To this end, Farouq directed that the cause of the fire be investigated to forestall future occurrences. She also advised that cooking inside the makeshift homes be discouraged.

She also commended the Chairperson of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Yabawa Kolo, and other SEMA officials who paid a prompt visit to the camp to sympathize with the victims.

She has directed that relief materials be dispatched to the camp to cushion the effect of the incident.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

Minister appeals for safe return of abducted Niger students

Minister appeals for safe return of abducted Niger students