The Federal Government says no ransom was paid to secure the release of students abducted by gunmen in Sokoto and Kaduna states.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this in Abuja on Monday, March 25, 2024.

Idris disclosed that at the end of a Federal Executive Council meeting, President Bola Tinubu made it clear that no ransom should be paid to bandits and kidnappers so as not to encourage them.

The minister reassured that the children had been reunited with their families safely and in good health as directed by the president.

He said Tinubu had also challenged security agencies to ensure that abductions and kidnappings were brought to an end in Nigeria.

Idris said the government was prepared to work with those ready to give advice that could end the dastardly acts, but would not spare those found complicit.

‘He’s not above the law’: FG summons Gumi over bandits’ activities

He said: “Mr President and cabinet members are happy to note that as promised, the children were rescued and reunited with their families and no ransom was paid.

“The Federal Executive Council and Mr President are very grateful to, especially the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, and security agents who participated diligently in ensuring that these kidnapped children are reunited with their families.

“Government is determined to protect the lives and property of Nigerians. Mr President has also charged security agencies to ensure that these kidnappings are brought to a halt finally in this country.”

Idris added that Tinubu had charged cabinet members and other government functionaries to fast-track the delivery of government relief programmes such as the consumer credit scheme, student loans, and other social programmes.

Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the president has approved the setting up of an Economic Management Team task force.

According to him, the team would work for six months on economic revitalisation programmes of the administration.

Edun said Nigeria was already getting offers of Euro bonds to finance government programmes, but no decision had been made on the offer.

The Star