Hundreds of girls who were abducted last week from their boarding school in Nigeria by a group of armed men have been released.
The girls were taken on Friday from Government Girls Secondary School in the town of Jangebe, in the northern state of Zamfara.
Nigerian Government surprisingly denied paying ransoms. And it is not clear how the release of the children in this case was secured.
Officials initially said that 317 girls had been in the group, but later told journalists that the correct number was 279.
The state capital has been witnessing a rise in the attacks unleashed by armed bandits on schools. This is the third such kidnapping incident since December. Government has been facing backlash for not doing enough to tackle the issue.
State Governor Bello Matawalle on Tuesday wrote, “Alhamdulillah! It gladdens my heart to announce the release of the abducted students of GGSS Jangebe from captivity. This follows the scaling of several hurdles laid against our efforts. I enjoin all well-meaning Nigerians to rejoice with us as our daughters are now safe.”
Alhamdulillah! It gladdens my heart to announce the release of the abducted students of GGSS Jangebe from captivity. This follows the scaling of several hurdles laid against our efforts. I enjoin all well-meaning Nigerians to rejoice with us as our daughters are now safe. pic.twitter.com/YKfHoUuiXP
— Dr. Bello Matawalle (@Bellomatawalle1) March 2, 2021