The remaining 29 students of Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Kaduna State, have been released. This is even as former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday cautioned the Federal Government against paying ransom to kidnappers and bandits, saying it is capable of encouraging criminals in their evil act. It will be recalled that 39 students of the school were kidnapped 57 days ago by bandits who invaded and demanded payment of N500 million ransom to effect their release.
But 10 of the students had earlier been released in batches of five after their parents paid ransom. Husband of one of the kidnapped students who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the release of the students.
It was gathered by Vanguard that the release of the students was facilitated by Sheikh Ahmad Gumi Dialogue committee, with the collaboration of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
Abdullahi Usman, chairman of the Forum of Parents of the Abducted Students, also confirming the release of the students, said:
“Yes, they have been released. They did not sleep in the (bandits’) camp yesterday. They were taken to the residence of one of the mediators to sleep.
“We have already sent our people with vehicles and ambulance to go and bring them. We are expecting them any moment from now.”
