The Northern Governors Forum (NGF) has condemned the abduction of some
students, staff and families of the Government Science School, Kagara in
Niger by suspected bandits.
The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Plateau, Simon Lalong in a
statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham
on Wednesday in Jos, described the act as a heinous crime.
He said the incident was another calculated attempt to frustrate Niger
and the northern region’s chances of overcoming illiteracy and
poverty, which was endemic due to lack of education and other associated
opportunities.
He said “We totally condemn the abduction of the school children who did
nothing wrong than go to school to seek education.
“This is a sad and reprehensible act that must not be tolerated whatever
the motive of the criminals.
“It is an act that further compounds the efforts to enroll more children
into schools particularly in the Northern region where illiteracy is
very high and enrolment is gradually appreciating after sustained
efforts by Government and development partners.”
He commended the quick response by security agencies in ensuring the
safe return of the abductees, saying it was reassuring while urging
parents and families of the victims to remain hopeful.
He sympathised with the affected families and Niger governor, Abubakar
Bello, while urging Nigerians to give the distraught families moral
support.
The governor urged Nigerians to support the security forces with useful
information which would ensure perpetrators of the act were apprehended
and prosecuted.
He said the northern governors would work collectively with their
colleague, Bello, to ensure that not only the current situation was
resolved swiftly but ensure an end to the spate of banditry and
destruction of lives and property affecting the state and other parts
of the region. (NAN)