Katsina School Attack: 333 Students Missing – Masari

Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari has confirmed that 333 students are still missing following an attack on Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina on Friday night.

Masari gave the figure when he received a Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno on Sunday.

“Based on the available record we have, we are still searching for 333 students through either the forest or their parents to ascertain the actual number that has been kidnapped,

“We are still counting because more are coming out from the forest and we are calling through the numbers those parents that have phone numbers to find out whether or not their children have gone back home.

“We as a government we are yet to be contacted by any group or person responsible for the kidnap of the students,” he said.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation and Minister of Defence, General Bashir Magashi, asked the armed forces, the police and other security agencies to move faster to ensure the speedy rescue of the students.

Read also: IGP Sends More Officers To Katsina After Bandits’ Attack

The Minister warned that the bandits must not be allowed to rest, adding that it is high time the bandits were declared terrorists to encourage people to seat up.

Eko Hot Blog had reported that about 600 students were reportedly abducted when armed bandits stormed the school premises late Friday.

The Principal of the school, Usman Abubakar and the State’s Police spokesperson, Gambo Isah , on Saturday, confirmed that 200 Students who fled for safety on Friday returned safely.

The Katsina State government has since ordered the immediate closure of all boarding schools in the state.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has also condemned the attack and, in reaction, directed that security be reinforced around all schools in line with the safe schools policy of his administration.

“I strongly condemn the cowardly bandits’ attack on innocent children at the Science School, Kankara.

“Our prayers are with the families of the students, the school authorities, and the injured,” a statement issued by Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu, quoted Buhari as saying.

The statement also claimed that the military has found the bandits’ location and are in the process of retrieving the abducted students.