Malik Yahya/
Six female pupils and two staff of the Engravers College, Kakau Daji in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State were released by their abductors this morning.
The victims, including the vice principal (academics) and matron, were abducted from the school premises by heavily-armed men on October 3.
NewsmakersNG learnt that the victims were released after the payment of an additional N10 million which was taken to the kidnappers yesterday, bringing the total amount paid as ransom to N13.6 million.
Parents of the victims earlier raised N3.6 million as ransom but the kidnappers said it wasn’t enough.
While reacting to the news, the Kaduna State Government said it was relieved that the kidnappers have finally released them after 23 days in captivity.
The government’s reaction was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan.
The statement reads: “The students and staff of the Engravers College who were abducted have regained their freedom today, Saturday, 26 October 2019.
“We are relieved that this criminal violation of the right to liberty is over and that they are all back safely.
“The victims, most of whom are minors, and their families will now be focusing on recovering from this undeserved trauma. We appeal for considerate reporting of their ordeal and respect for their privacy.
“As we continue to combat banditry, kidnapping and other crimes, the Kaduna State Government urges all our communities not to give comfort to criminals.
“The state government calls for vigilance in all our communities and continued cooperation with the security agencies in this battle to secure our state and all who live in it.”
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