Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari has explained that no ransom was paid to secure the release of schoolboys kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State.
Recall the Katsina State government had earlier revealed the students have been rescued from their captors and will soon reunite with their parents and families in Katsina State.
Governor Masari stated that the release of the students was facilitated by the Miyyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN.
He made this known in an interview with German radio, Deutsche Welle, DW, monitored by newsmen on Thursday night.
He also reiterated his submission that the abduction was carried out by local bandits and not Boko Haram terrorists.
In his words, “Some hours ago, those assisting us in talks with the bandits said they have released all children in captivity. About 344 of them.
“At the moment, we have arranged for vehicles to transport them from where they are to the state capital, Katsina. From then, we will pass them through to doctors to diagnose them,” he said.
“Those involved in the negotiation include my adviser, some top military and police operatives. Members of Miyetti Allah; (they) were all involved in the negotiation.”
“We will direct our doctors to carry out a medical examination on the children tomorrow morning. They have spent six-day in the forest. We will change their clothes and we will hand them over to their parents.”
