Kidnappers Collude With Boko Haram To Attack Schools, Says El-rufai
KState Governor Nasir el-rufai has stated that bandits and kidnappers have found collaborators in Boko Haram members in the attack of schools in parts of the country.
The governor, who said his position was based on intelligence, spoke to State House Correspondents after observing the Ju’maat prayers yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. “We have been receiving intelligence since three months ago that the bandits have connected with some elements of Boko Haram and targeting schools to kidnap children because they know that is what makes news,” he said. El-rufai, who said the intelligence revealed that schools in the state were the primary targets of the bandits, however, disclosed that his government was partnering with relevant security agencies to forestall further attacks.
According to the governor, kidnappers of the six female students and two teachers of Engravers College, Kakau Daji, a remote village in Gwagwada District of Chikun Council, have demanded for ransom.
“As at this morning (Friday), the kidnappers have contacted the parents and we have got the parents of the kidnapped children and the relations of the teachers to be in one place, so that there is one line of communication with the kidnappers to facilitate their release.
“However, from the moment of the kidnap, all the security agencies, from the police to the Nigerian Air Force and Army, have been on the matter and I am confident that not only are we going to secure the release of the students and their teachers, but we are also going to get the kidnappers, by the grace of God.
“It is always a moment of sadness when young people that are trying to get an education become victims of these criminals. But kidnapping has become widespread that for many people, it is no longer news,” he said.
El-rufai also said that his son would remain in public school despite the planned invasion of schools by kidnappers and Boko Haram elements.
He added: “My child should not be safer or more protected than any other child in Kaduna State.”
A SPresident Muhammadu Buhari is expected to conduct the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) cadets today, the institution has announced alternative routes in Kaduna State to ensure smooth conduct of the exercise.
The use of alternative routes, our correspondent gathered, is due to heightened activities of kidnappers, banditry and other criminal activities in Kaduna and neighbouring states.
This may, however, cause hardship for commuters and other road-users in state and environs.
Areas affected include Kawo/ Mando/ Airport roads, Kaduna Airport/rigachukun/kawo , and Rigachikun/kaduna Airport/airport Roundabout/birnin Gwari roads. The Academy Public Relations Officer (APRO), Major Abubakar Abdullahi, told journalists yesterday that combined POP for 66 Regular Course, Army, 67 Regular Course and 67 Regular Course (Navy and Air force) would hold on Saturday, October 5, 2019. He added that the parade would attract various dignitaries from across the country and beyond, with President Muhammadu Buhari as special guest of honour.
He said, “Consequently, the Kawo/mando/airport road will be busy from 5am to 5pm. Road-users who do not have anything to do around the NDA area are advised to use alternative routes to avoid unnecessary bottleneck.
“We appeal to road-users to bear with the situation, as all arrangements to ensure hitch-free event are in place. We wish to remind the public that only guests with valid invitation will be allowed around the NDA vicinity. Others can equally view live transmission and streaming of the parade on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) networks and NDA social media platforms.”
The release added that NDA expressed regret for the inconveniences that would be caused as the event lasted.