President Muhammadu Buhari has issued a stern warning to would-be terrorists and bandits targeting schools in the country.
President Buhari’s warning was contained in statement issued on Saturday by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, stating the country will not allow the destruction of the school system.
The President gave this warning after the abduction and release of students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation in Igabi LGA, Kaduna.
President Buhari commended efforts of the Kaduna State government and early response of the military which led to the rescue of 180 students including eight staff members but urged that the others declared missing be found and returned safely to their families.
He also commended efforts and contributions of local intelligence in significantly thwarting the kidnappers, saying that a country which has an efficient local intelligence network is a safer country.
“Our military may be efficient and well-armed but it needs good efforts for the nation’s defense and the local population must rise to this challenge of the moment.”
Buhari expressed sympathy with the victims of this incident and hoped for an early end to the ordeal of those still held captive.
Recall that gunmen on Friday stormed the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation in Mando, Kaduna State and abducted students in the school.
But the Nigerian Army later rescued 180 of them, which include 42 female students, 130 male students and eight staff with about 30 students, a mix of males and females, yet to be accounted for.