Statements by the released Kankara schoolboys who were abducted suggest that ransom was offered for their release, according to multiple news sources.
According to a report released on December 23rd 2020 by The Wall Street Journal, three of the 344 boys interviewed claimed the kidnappers told them that a ransom had been paid for their freedom.
Now back home and united to their parents, the Kankara schoolboys have been recounting their experience in the hands of their abductors and how they travelled on foot for two days.
Contrary to claims by the Nigeria’s government that no ransom was paid for the freedom of the kidnapped students, fresh reports reveal that the government made a payment in three trenches for the release of the schoolboys.
After the release of the schoolboys on the 17th of December 2020, Garba Shehu, the presidential spokesperson said the rescue was carried out by reformed bandits.
Corroborating that, the Zamfara state governor, Bello Matawalle also said the state played a role in securing the release of the schoolboys which was through the help of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and reformed bandits.
Reports say the negotiation for the release of the students began in neighbouring Zamfara state after the boys walked for over two days.
According to an interview on Channels TV, one of the boys said they walked in the forest for two days without resting.
“Before that, one businessman gave the kidnappers 30 million so they can pick some small boys among us to let them go”, one of the boys said.
The report by The Wall street journal also quoted a 17 year old Imran Yakubu who was abducted as saying that the kidnappers told them “One million naira must be paid per each student or we will recruit or kill you”,
Narrating their ordeal in the hands of their abductors, The Wall Street Journal reported that there were more than 100 armed men in the school courtyard.
“They were shinning bright flashlights and steaming into the pastel-coloured buildings”.
Wall Street Journal
Residents of Kankara are now more concerned about the need for providing adequate security for schools in the area.
Usman Bello, the district head of Kankara made this observation for more security to ensure a forestall of that kind of event.
Meanwhile, celebration is still going on in Kankara as residents are still celebrating the return of the schoolboys.
