The Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari assured parents and guardians on Thursday evening that the abducted students of Kankara Government Science School will be released within the next 24 hours.
Speaking to Al Jazeera at the Government House, the governor said the state and the country have been on edge due to what he described as a sad development. He however promised that the country should expect something positive within the next 24 hours.
“I am sure that within the next 24 hours the boys will be back home. Yes, I’m sure of that. I have been in touch with them. Everything is on course, very soon they will be back, the governor said.
Earlier on Thursday, there were unconfirmed reports in the media that the boys had regained freedom, but the Federal Government denied the report.
Speaking on the video that was released few hours ago by the terrorist group, Boko Haram, showing pictures of some of the boys, Masari said he was sure that Boko Haram was not directly involved in the abduction, saying however that there might have been a connection between the terror group and some bandits.
“Boko Haram was not directly involved in the abduction. It is doubtful if the group was directly involved. But there might be a connection with other groups”, the governor said.
Governor Masari also lamented that insecurity has adversely affected the way of life of the people and economy of the state. He said virtually all facets of life have been affected, while at the same time, appealing for patience and understanding from the people.
Recall that on Wednesday, Masar said that they would not pay any ransom to secure the freedom of the kidnapped students in the state suspected to have been perpetrated by the Boko Haram sect.
Masari, who said that they have located the whereabouts of the children, also dismissed the claim that the act was perpetrated by Boko Haram since there was no evidence to back it up.p
He said the government was making every effort to ensure that they reunite the children with their parents.
