We Are In Talks With Kidnappers Of 136 Pupils – Niger Govt

• The incident is the latest in a string of school kidnappings in the country.

The Niger State Government has confirmed the number of students abducted by bandits at an Islamic school to be 136.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Ahmed Ketso, confirmed the number Wednesday while giving an update on the situation at the Government House, Minna, on Wednesday.

He also said the state government is making progress in the negotiation with the abductors towards the release of the students.

Read also: Niger Govt Bans Commercial Motorcycles In Minna After Students’ Kidnap

Ketso added that the negotiation is not about the payment of ransom but on how to secure the release of the pupils unhurt.

“We can now confirm that a total of 136 students were abducted. This was followed by a briefing on measures been put in place for the safe release of the abductees.

“We are also in contact with the parents. We call on them to be patient, government is making all efforts to secure the release of the children,” Ketso said.

The Deputy Governor also announced a total ban on commercial motorcycle operations in Minna, the Niger state capital.

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