Bandits have set free over 70 out of 136 pupils kidnapped from Salihu Tanko Islamic School in Rafi local government area of Niger State on May 30.
The children, who spent 88 days in captivity, were released by their abductors around Kebbi State.
It was gathered Thursday night that the pupils were already on their way to Minna from Birnin Gwari.
However, another report stated that all the 136 pupils were released by their captors.
Punch quoted the school’s proprietor, Mr. Idris Umar, as confirming that all the pupils regained freedom.
Recall that the bandits had after taking the pupils away, demanded N300 million as ransom initially but they later reduced it to N50 million, which was paid in two installments.
After the N50 million ransom, the abductors also demanded for additional N20 million and six motorcycles, which they insisted on getting before releasing the children.
Similarly, the abducted teachers and students of Zamfara State College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Bakura, have been released.
According to Punch, a source said the abductees would be taken to the government house tomorrow (Friday).
It would be recalled that on August 26, 2021 suspected bandits attacked the college and abducted 19 persons consisting three staff, 15 students and a driver.
Four persons were killed during the invasion.
The college deputy registrar, Mr. Atiku Aliyu Bakura, who confirmed the abduction, also said four persons, including a police officer and three gatemen, died in the attack.
The bandits had demanded the sum of N350m to free their victims.
