President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the rescued students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina state, not to be distracted from their studies by the actions of “heartless bandits”.
Bandits had invaded the school on the night of December 11, and over 300 students were declared missing after the attack.
Although 17 of the students were found on December 14, over 300 students were rescued on Thursday night, and they arrived in Katsina on Friday morning.
Speaking to the students on Friday afternoon at the banquet hall of the Government House, Buhari called on the students not to allow their experiences in the hands of the bandits distract them from their studies.
The president also promised to ensure adequate security presence around schools.
“You students are very lucky. Concentrate on your studies Don’t allow your terrible experiences in the hands of those heartless bandits distract you from your studies,” he said.
“Put behind all the suffering and concentrate on your studies. The federal government will continue to strengthen security around all schools across the country.”
He added that the abduction of the students was a deliberate attempt to paint the present administration in bad light, but noted that he would not relent in ensuring the safety of all Nigerians.
He commended the efforts of the Katsina state government and security agencies in ensuring the safe rescue of the students.