Boko Haram Lied, Bandits Kidnapped Schoolboys, Says Lai Mohammed |The Source

By Uche Mbah

The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, has said that the abduction  of School Boys in Katsina was done by bandits and not Boko Haram.

Hundreds  of school boys were abducted  last week from their school, Government Science Secondary School   by gunmen . There was  controversy over the actual figure that was kidnapped. While Garba Shehu, the Presidential spokesperson said only ten people were kidnapped, the State  Governor , Aminu Masari, said about 330 students were Kidnapped. One escaped student claimed over 500.

In the late hours of Thursday, the  State  Government  announced the release of 344 students.

Shehu later apologised on his Twitter handle for the error.

“I apologise  for the incorrect communication citing that only 10 students were kidnapped at the Science School, Kankara

“This communication of numbers was provided by persons that should ideally know. These numbers were seen to conflict with what was available at that time.

“Please understand that this communication was in no way done to downplay the seriousness of the situation.

“Please accept my sincere apologies on this matter as we continue to move our great Nation Nigeria forward. Thank you”, he tweeted.

But the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said in Abuja that the abduction  was done by bandits and not Boko Haram. He also claimed that no ransom was paid to the bandits before the release of the boys.

Boko Haram had posted a video with some of the Boys claiming responsibility for the kidnap. But  Mohammed said that it shows they were already decimated. According to him, they are just seeking relevance.

“The release of these schoolboys is a testament to the importance that this Administration attaches to the security and safety of all Nigerians”, he said.

“There is no government in the world that will not face the challenges of security at one time or another.

“No government in the world is immune to terrorist attacks. What stands any government out is the way and manner it responds to such challenges.”