In a swift response to the abduction of female students at the Federal University of Gusau in Zamfara State, Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to take immediate action to rescue the remaining captives. The president’s intervention comes as the police confirm the successful rescue of seven of the abducted students.
The harrowing incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday when a group of terrorists invaded the university premises and abducted an unspecified number of students from three off-campus hostels. Despite a fierce gun battle between the assailants and Nigerian Army troops, the kidnappers managed to escape with their victims.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu strongly condemned what he described as a reprehensible act of abduction. He emphasised that there is no moral justification for such heinous crimes against innocent victims whose sole pursuit was quality education.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to all families directly impacted by this tragic incident in Zamfara, reaffirming his administration’s solemn duty to protect every Nigerian citizen. He assured the families of the abducted students that no effort would be spared in ensuring their safe return, underscoring the unwavering commitment of his government to the security and well-being of its citizens.
Furthermore, President Tinubu vowed that the federal government was resolute in its determination to preserve educational institutions as sanctuaries of knowledge, growth, and opportunity, free from the menacing acts of terrorists.
Police in Zamfara Confirm Rescue of Seven Students
The police authorities in Zamfara have confirmed the successful rescue of seven of the abducted students. The Police Public Relations Office (PPRO) in Zamfara, ASP Yazid Abubakar, issued a statement outlining the progress made in the rescue operation.
According to the statement, the Zamfara police command deployed an additional tactical team to intensify the search for the remaining students. The assailants, believed to be riding about 50 motorcycles and armed with sophisticated weapons, had invaded three residences of students’ rented apartments in Sabon Gida Village near the Federal University of Gusau, Zamfara State, kidnapping an unspecified number of students.
The bandits also infiltrated the university premises, ransacking some offices and taking advantage of the institution’s lack of fencing. The police swiftly launched search and rescue operations, resulting in the successful recovery of seven kidnapped victims. These students have since been reunited with the school’s management.
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Shehu Dalijan, visited the scene of the abduction and intensified security measures around the university to prevent future occurrences.