Umar Farouq prays for safe return of abducted students

Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq has appealed to relevant authorities to ensure the release and safe return of abducted 27 students of Government Science College in Kagara, Niger State.

Unknown gunmen abducted some staff members and students from the school in the early hours of Wednesday.

Niger State authorities had confirmed that 27 of those abducted were students, 3 were staff members of the college and 13 members of the families of the staff membere kidnapped, adding that one student was shot dead by the abductors.

Farouq condemned the abduction in its entirety and 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, 3 staff and 12 of their family members were abducted by gunmen earlier today.

“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 getting 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.