The Niger State Government has accused the Federal Government of neglecting the abducted pupils and staff members of Government Science College, Kagara, who are in bandits’ den.
The state governor, Sani-Bello disclosed that beyond sending security men, top security chiefs and ministers on February 17, the day the abduction took place, the Federal Government had abandoned the state to its fate.
Sani-Bello said: “Where is the support? At the moment, we have not seen any Federal support here since this incident occurred. Yes, we had a delegation that came to commiserate with us but we are left to ourselves.”
He added: “With or without any support, the state government has already made a commitment to the people to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and therefore, we will do everything possible to ensure their release unhurt. We will use whatever means and resources available to make sure the children return home safely.
“We don’t have the exact day and when these children will be released but I am sure it will be very soon.”
He said his administration had been paying the expenses associated with the additional policemen and security agencies dispatched to the state in the wake of the breach.
Sani-Bello spoke when Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu paid him a sympathy visit in Minna on Thursday.
Twenty-seven pupils have spent 10 days in the forest with bandits who stormed their hostel while asleep.
One pupil was killed and 11 members of a family and three staff members were also abducted.
The state government has been making efforts to get them released. Family members and parents of the pupils are also negotiating with the bandits who have reportedly rejected N2.7 million contributed by them.
The bandits vowed that they would allow the pupils to starve to death if ransom was not paid.
Islamic cleric Abubakar Gumi, has also joined in reaching out to the bandits.