Categories: Nigeria News

Tragedy as six abducted students die in bandits’ custody

Six of the 136 students kidnapped from an Islamic school in the north-central Nigerian state of Niger have died of illness, the school principal told Reuters on Monday.

The abductors have demanded a ransom to release the students, kidnapped in May after an armed gang on motorcycles attacked the school in the town of Tegina.

Criminal gangs carrying out kidnappings for ransom are blamed for a series of raids on boarding schools in northern Nigeria in which more than 1,000 students have been abducted since December.

The principal, Abubakar Garba Alhasan, said the kidnappers had called to say the children died from sickness and to urge that the ransom demand be met.

Abubakar Adam, whose seven children are held by the gang, said the abductors called the principal to demand a ransom.

Kidnappers on Sunday released 15 more students taken last month from a Baptist school in northwest Nigeria, after parents paid an undisclosed ransom to free them.

President Muhammadu Buhari in February called on state governments to stop paying kidnappers, and Kaduna Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai publicly refuses to pay. Desperate parents and communities often raise and pay ransoms themselves. (Reuters)

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

BREAKING: Tinubu govt bows to pressure, drops treason charges against EndBadGovernance protesters

The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the case against individuals charged in connection with…

3 hours ago

Benue: ‘I’m not behind Ukpute-Bonta crisis’ – Rep David Ogewu

The member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency and Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Army,…

3 hours ago

Tension as new terrorist group ‘LAKURAWAS’ emerges in Nigeria

The Sokoto State Government has raised alarms about the emergence of a new terrorist group…

4 hours ago

Ujah: Ministry of Education breaks silence on suspension of FUHSO VC, issues fresh order

The Federal Ministry of Education has formally addressed the suspension of Prof. Innocent A.O. Ujah…

4 hours ago

‘Herdsmen after our women’ – Idoma community raises alarm

Residents of Ukwonyo community in the Ufia axis of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State,…

5 hours ago

FUHSO: Why we suspended Prof Ujah as Otukpo varsity Vice Chancellor – Governing Council

The Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, has explained why it…

5 hours ago