Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu has said that the state government alerted the Federal Government of the movement of bandits around the movement of bandits around the location of the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri weeks before scores of students and teachers of the school were abducted.
The governor disclosed this on Friday when he visited the school to commiserate with the staff and students on behalf of the President Muhammadu Buhari.
Bagudu said: “About two weeks ago, there was news of bandits’ movement and they were sighted around this area. We consulted with the federal authorities here, who told us that the school had about two weeks to finish its term examinations.
“It was agreed that if security could be reinforced and stationed in the school, it was better to support the children to finish their examinations before going home. This abduction was a brazen and tragic incident where bandits confronted the policemen who were providing security to the school.
“Unfortunately, they made away with some students and teachers. Since this unfortunate incident occurred, all hands have been on the deck to ensure that these children and staff of ours are rescued alive, hale and hearty.”
The Governor, who expressed delight that the Commissioner of Police had deployed a 22-man team of the Special Anti-Terrorism Task Force to the school, said further: “The security agents were around even during the attack. They deserve commendation for their gallant efforts, while trying to repel the attack. Unfortunately, they were overpowered because the bad elements came in their hundreds.”
