After 89 days, the remaining 136 students of Salihu Tanko Islamiyya, Tegina, Niger State, who were abducted from their school have regained their freedom.
The school Headmaster, Alhaji Garba Alhassan disclosed that the pupils were released on Thursday night somewhere around Birnin-Gwari Village in Kaduna State, after an unspecified amount and motorbikes were paid to the bandits.
According to Alhassan, the last quota of ransom of N18 million was paid to the bandits after a lot of negotiations for them to reduce the amount were rebuffed and the community had to task themselves yet again to raise the amount.
He added that two prominent politicians in the local council played a huge role in raising the funds.
The headmaster also disclosed that the children were on their way to Minna, the Niger State capital, and would be received on Friday by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello and state government officials, after which, they would be profiled and taken for thorough medical examination.
Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, who also confirmed the release of the pupils said, “I have heard that too but I cannot say anything until we see them.”