Just hours after mass abduction of students, Niger State Governor travels abroad

Less than 48 hours after the kidnapping of scores of children in an Islamic School in Tegina town in Rafi local government area of Niger state, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has traveled out of the country.

The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mary Noel Berje, said the trip was to explore all possibilities of strengthening the state security architecture.

The statement explained the Governor is expected back soon but has given directives to security operatives and government officials to ensure the safe return of the abducted Tegina Islamiyya children and others.

“The Governor, who is expected back in the country within the shortest period, has assured the rescue and safe return of the children.

“Governor Sani Bello also assured all Nigerlites that Government will continue to do all it can to protect the lives and property of its citizens while guaranteeing the continued peace and stability of the state.

“While assuring the parents of the abducted children of their safe return as the security agencies have been directed to do all it can to bring back the children as soon as possible, the Governor also urged the citizens to cooperate and share intelligence and information that will help in the quick rescue of the children,” the statement reads.

The statement further explained the Governor has directed a situation room be reactivated to update the public of happenings and government.

NewsWireNGR reports that at least 200 students of an Islamiyya school located at Tegina in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State have been abducted.

One person was shot dead while another lays critically injured after gunmen carried out the kidnap operation at about 4:30pm on Sunday.