President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed joy following the release of 340 schoolboys abducted from the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina state.
The President communicated this through his Senior Special Assistant on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie.
“Mr. President receives the joyful and delightful news of the release of the students of Kankara School,” Onochie stated via her twitter handle, @Laurestar.
The tweet came immediately after news of the release was revealed by the Katsina state Government, today (Thursday).
According to the Katsina state Governor, Aminu Masari, the schoolboys are currently at Tsafe, in Zamfara state, awaiting transportation to Kankara on Friday.
Masari reportedly conveyed the good news to President Buhari.
There is still uncertainty over whether a ransom was paid or not.
In a related response, a media aide to the President, Garba Shehu, conveyed the President’s reaction via a tweet.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has welcomed the release of the kidnapped students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, describing their safe return as a big relief to their families, the country and the international community,” the tweet read.
Read also: Kankara Abduction: Buhari Must Be Impeached – PDP Caucus
The protracted saga happened, last Friday, on the 11th of December, shortly after Buhari arrived his hometown, Daura, in Katsina, for a 1week visit.
The armed abductors, believed to be bandits stormed the school premises and abducted the “340” schoolboys.
However, soon after the abduction, Abubakar Shekau, leader of the infamous terrorist group, Boko Hara, claimed responsibility for the terror act.
Shekau released two videos to that effect which made the rounds in the country’s media.
The Defence Headquarters however brushed aside Boko Haram’s claims.
They insisted that it was Bandits who were truly responsible for the Friday night abduction.
The release now puts an end to the nearly 1week old situation which has caused uproar among citizens and residents of the state who have staged numerous protests against the Masari-led government.