Kagara abduction: Tallen appeals for release of students, staff

Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, on Thursday, appealed for the release of students and members of staff of Government Secondary School (GSS), Kagara, Niger State.

Gunmen had on Tuesday, invaded the school and abducted 27 students, three teachers, two non-teaching staff, and nine family members of the employees living in the quarters.

Tallen, in a statement in Abuja, condemned the act, describing it as crime against the law and religious beliefs.

“This act further shows that criminal gangs in the country are callous and have no respect for the dignity of human beings as enshrined in our laws and religious books.

“As a mother, I plead with these abductors to please have the fear of God and exercise a little compassion, by releasing these young Nigerians.

“Keeping these innocent citizens in captivity, for no offence committed by them, is not the right thing to do, no matter the grievances,” she said.

The minister also called on parents of the abducted students to be calm, as the government was on top of the situation, and would come to the rescue of the children.

“It is on record that our security operatives have successfully negotiated, rescued or secured the release of our children in similar circumstances before.

“It is now my believe that our security operatives will surely repeat the feat in this case,” she said.