Say Governor Bagudu not serious
Local hunters in Kebbi State who vowed to track down the bandits holding over a hundred students and teachers of Federal Government College, Yauri, say they have abandoned the search because the State government was not supporting their efforts.
Recall that bandits abducted about 102 students of the school on June 17.
Nigerian soldiers said they rescued three of the students and a staff member the following day, but added that three other students died during the exercise. Two days ago, the Police in Zamfara State also announced the rescue of two more of the students.
The remaining students and staff members have, however, now been with the kidnappers for about 45 days with the State government and security authorities not forthcoming on what efforts they are making to rescue them.
The State governor, Abubakar Bagudu, had vowed to lead hunters and vigilantes to rescue the victims from the bandits.
But speaking over the phone with newsmen yesterday, a leader of the hunters who had started tracking the bandits, Abdu Bagobiri, said they have aborted the mission.
He said this was because the state government has not shown sincerity in its promise to the hunters.
Asked if they had been given anything, Bagori said the government gave them N30,000 but asked them to give it to their families in the understanding that more would be provided for them. He said the group asked for guns, motorcycles and other weapons but despite assurances from the state government, they were yet to see anything.
He, however, said they would be ready to resume their operation when the State government provides them with what they require.
But in his response, the Special Adviser to the governor on security matters, Rabiu Kamba, said Bagoris allegations are unfounded, adding that the State government has provided the necessary assistance to the hunters and a request from them is currently on the governors desk for his approval.
Kebbi State is one of the states battling banditry, kidnapping and cattle-rustling.
