Forestry students: Kaduna govt contributed to release – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that the Kaduna State Government “contributed” towards the release of the 29 students of Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka that regained their freedom on Wednesday.

Recall that 39 students were kidnapped from their school premises on March 11, 2021, while 10 of them were released days later.

The Nasir El-Rufai-led state government vowed not to pay ransom for the release of the students in line with its policy of non-negotiation with criminal elements.

However, the remaining 29 students regained their freedom on Wednesday.

Reacting, President Buhari hailed the Kaduna State Government as one of the institutions that contributed to the release of the students, but did not state how.

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The president’s revelation came in a statement on Wednesday night.

In the statement shared via his Twitter handle, the President said, “I welcome the release of the 27 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, and congratulate their friends, families, and the government and people of Kaduna State. We are happy they have been released.

“Our deep appreciation to all who contributed one way or the other to this happy outcome, in particular the defence and security agencies, the officials of the Ministry of Environment, and the Government of Kaduna State. We equally thank Nigerians for their prayers.”

The president used the opportunity to appeal for the release of the students kidnapped from Greenfield University, also in Kaduna State.

“I again appeal for the release of the students of Greenfield University & all other citizens held in captivity. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that Nigerians live in a country where everyone can move where and when they want—without the fear of kidnapping & banditry.

“I call for steadfastness & security awareness on the part of the law enforcement agencies, and citizens. Let me once again condemn the increasing politicization of security in Nigeria, by opportunistic politicians. All hands must be on deck to achieve enduring peace & security.”