Bethel School kidnapping: Buhari orders military to swiftly rescue abducted schoolchildren

President Muhammadu Buhari has raised an alarm over the frequent attack on schools and ordered security agents in the country to ensure the urgent release of schoolchildren abducted by bandits. 

The President spoke hours after bandits attacked and kidnapped over 100 students from Bethel Secondary School, Marmara, Chikun on the outskirts of Kaduna town on Monday.

According to the Monday statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President particularly lamented the unprecedented number of kidnapping incidents in Kaduna and Niger States in recent times.

“President Muhammadu Buhari Monday directed the military, police and intelligence agencies to ensure safe and early release of all kidnapped victims, expressing concern over attacks on Kaduna and Niger States, largely targeted at students,” the statement read. 

“While noting ongoing deployment of additional security personnel to all troubled areas, the President urged security outfits to “act swiftly” to rescue all school boys and girls in the affected states and ensure safe return.

“President Buhari said the disturbing incidents of kidnapping students, mostly in Northern states, was already threatening to undermine efforts in boosting school enrolments in states that were adjudged educationally backward.

“He called on state governments to ensure compliance with UN-supported Safe Schools Programme, which the administration had adopted.

“The President described kidnapping as cowardly and despicable, condemning it as an assault on affected families and the nation.”