Kankara Abduction: Official Spokesperson To Buhari Apologises For Citing That Only 10 Students Were Kidnapped

Shehu Garba, the spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari has apologised for his earlier comment that only ten students were abducted from the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State.

AllNews reports that Shehu had on December 14 said to BBC Hausa Service that the boys seized by armed men on December 11 were not as much as being reported in the media.

At this time, Shehu maintained that his initial communication was not intended to downplay the seriousness of the situation.

"I apologize for the incorrect communication citing that only 10 students were kidnapped at the science school, Kankara," Shehu wrote on his verified Twitter handle on Friday.

"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."

It would be recalled that 344 schoolboys were abducted from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, last Friday.

The boys were eventually released on Thursday night.

Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle had disclosed that the Fulani apex socio-cultural organisation, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) negotiated with bandits for the release of the 344 schoolboys.

READ ALSO: Kankara Abduction: Why Gov. Of Zamfara Should Be Appreciated For Reported Role In Securing Release Of Students - Shehu Sani

According to the International Crisis Group (ICG), bandit violence has displaced more than 200,000 people in the north-west.

Killings in Katsina have doubled this year compared to 2019.