Buhari directs security agencies to swiftly rescue kidnapped schoolchildren
By Modupe Shodeinde
President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the military, police, and other security agencies in the country to ensure the safe and quick rescue of all kidnapped victims.
Buhari spoke while reacting to the kidnapping of unspecified number of school children from Bethel Secondary School, Marmara, Chikun on the outskirts of Kaduna town on Monday.
The president who gave the directive on Monday in a statement by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, also expressed concern over attacks on Kaduna and Niger states, which he said are largely targeted at students.
The statement reads: “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.
“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,”
