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Kidnapped Niger Islamiyya pupils regain freedom 88 days after

Niger gov Sanni bello.fw

Former Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello

The abducted pupils of Tanko Salihu Islamic School, Tegina, in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, have been released.

According to the school’s proprietor, Idris Umar,  the pupils regained their freedom after 88 days in captivity.

They were released by their abductors around Kebbi State.

The proprietor of the school confirmed this to The PUNCH in a telephone interview.

The abduction happened on 30th May following an attack on Tegina where bandits were said to have shot endlessly to scare away people.

About 200 persons were kidnapped from the school, among whom were 136 pupils, as well as their teachers.

Two of the children escaped from captivity after some weeks, while four of them died.

A parent was also confirmed dead after hearing of the abduction.

The proprietor, while confirming the pupils’ release, said that the children were currently on their way to Minna, where the state government will receive them.

The bandits, after the abduction, had demanded N300m as ransom initially, but they later reduced it to N50m, which was paid in two installments.

After the N50m ransom, the abductors also demanded for additional N20m and six motorcycles, which they insisted on getting before releasing the children.

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