Nigerian government orders security agency to rescue kidnapped female university students

The Nigerian government has directed security agencies to rescue female students who were abducted by gunmen from a university in north-west Zamfara state. President Bola Tinubu, in a statement, assures the families of the abducted students that no effort will be spared in ensuring their safe return…

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has directed security agencies to rescue the female students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, who were recently kidnapped by terrorists in yet another reign of terror by non-state actors in the country.

The direction follows a frightening report that a group of bandits broke into a hostel and kidnapped five federal university students.

Tinubu, while denouncing the conduct, described it as a heinous act of abduction through his media aide, Ajuru Ngelale, on Sunday.

The Nigerian leader emphasised that there is no moral justification for such heinous crimes against innocent victims whose only “offence” was their pursuit of quality education.

According to Ngelale: “While the President wholeheartedly commiserates with all families directly impacted by this sad incident, he affirms that his administration has a solemn duty to protect every Nigerian citizen, and in line with this commitment, assures the families of the abducted students that no effort will be spared in ensuring their safe return.

“The President pledges that the federal government is determined to ensure that educational institutions remain sanctuaries of knowledge, growth, and opportunity and totally free from the menacing acts of terrorists.” The statement said.

North-west Nigeria has been facing rising cases of kidnapping, with armed gangs abducting individuals from villages, highways, and farmlands for ransom.

In 2021, bandits abducted over 300 school girls in Zamfara state, but they were later granted freedom after the government negotiated with the kidnappers.