No ransom was paid for release of Jangebe school girls ― Zamfara governor

Following the release of the abducted female students of Government Girls Secondary School (GSS) Jangebe, Zamfara State, Governor Bello Matawalle has declared that no ransom was paid.

The released students according to on the spot headcount were 279 female students, not 317 as reported.

They arrived in Gusau around 4 am today (Tuesday) and were received by Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the first lady Hajia Aisha Bello Matawalle and heads of security agencies in the state.

The governor who expressed happiness over the release of the schoolgirls said they were unconditionally released and no ransom was paid.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed “overwhelming joy” over the release of abducted female students in Zamfara State.

A statement issued by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) in Abuja Tuesday morning said while reacting to the development, the President said “I join the families and people of Zamfara State in welcoming and celebrating the release of these traumatized female students.”

President Buhari said he was excited that their ordeal came to a happy end without any incident, adding that “being held in captivity is an agonizing experience not only for the victims but also their families and all of us.”