We did not pay ransom for Kankara boys release – Katsina SSG
Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Mustapha Inuwa clarified the obnoxious claim that the state government paid ransom for the release of the 344 abducted students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara.
Mr Inuwa made this clarification in an interview session with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina on Tuesday. Inuwa said although the rescue mission was difficult but no ransom was paid by the government.
He said the state government deployed a multifaceted approach in ensuring the release of the boys saying no casualties was recorded.
The SSG said, “Contrary to speculations in some quarters that the government paid N1million to rescue each student, the government did not pay any money.
“Although, the process was difficult and hectic, we ensured that no casualty was recorded during the operations, we are happy that they returned safely and were reunited with their families.”
Inuwa commended the efforts of the Federal government through the Nigerian police and other security agencies in ensuring the release and safe return of the boys.
On Dec. 11, 2020, 344 students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State were abducted from their hostels by bandits.
Although the students gained their freedom after a week in captivity, there have been controversies over their release whether ransom was paid or not to the abductors.
