Three students from Al-Qalam University in Katsina State, who were kidnapped by terrorists in January, have finally been released. The joyful news was confirmed by the father of one of the abductees.
The students regained their freedom on Wednesday night after enduring a harrowing 30 days in the terrorists’ hideout.
The victims, identified as Habiba Shatali, a 200-level Political Science student, Mariam Musa, a 400-level Microbiology student, and Yusuf Abdulazeez, a 400-level Mathematics student, were abducted on January 14, 2024.
They were on their way back to school from Minna, the capital of Niger State, after the holiday break.
The trio, who had met at the motor park in Minna to travel together, fell into the hands of gunmen suspected to be bandits while en route to their school. Their abduction sparked concern among their families and the public.
After 18 days of captivity, the parents of two of the students wrote a letter to the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Umoru Mohammed Bago, pleading for urgent intervention to secure the release of their children.
Fortunately, the students were freed without harm, bringing relief to their families and the community.
“I’m pleased to inform you that my daughter whom had been in captivity over a month had regain her freedom alongside others, yesterday night 14, February, 2024 at about 8pm.
“Both are all in good health as at present,” the father of one of the victims said.
However, the ordeal wasn’t without its challenges.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million for each student, which was later reduced to N50 million and eventually to N25 million.
Despite the ransom demands, there was a lack of effective communication and action from the government, leaving the parents feeling abandoned. The public also criticized the government’s response, calling for a more proactive approach to rescue abducted citizens.
Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, the Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Niger State, urged both the Niger and Katsina State Governments to collaborate closely to expedite the safe return of the students. He expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts to ensure their reunion with their families.