It was a tense moment on Thursday when the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, met with the rescued students of the Federal University Gusau.
The Minister assured them that there would be an improved security system and immediate humanitarian response to support their recovery process.
The recent kidnapping incident at the University by dare-devil bandits had left twenty-five (25) female students in their hostels taken, but sixteen of them have been rescued by security forces.
The Minister spoke at length about President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s concern over the unfortunate incident and his commitment to ensuring the safe return of the remaining students. She personally interacted with some of the rescued students, assuring them that both Federal and State governments are working together to improve security in Zamfara State in particular and Northwest in general.
According to the Minister, President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, and primary agenda of government is security and the welfare of its people. She reassured the students that they would come back home and continue their education.
The President has assured them of improved security across the country to reduce humanitarian crises and eradicate multi-dimensional poverty. For the students, the Minister urged them not to be deterred by the incident and to continue to pursue their education.
The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, commended Dr. Edu for visiting them over the ugly incident that happened 10 days ago. The Governor assured that the State Government would continue to work with the Federal Government to create a conducive learning environment and protect the lives and properties of the people.
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Gusau, Professor Muazu Abubakar Gusau, expressed delight at receiving the Minister at this trying time. He recounted the ordeals the institution has encountered in the hands of bandits in times past and called for increased security for the institution.
The institution’s Student Union Representatives commended the Minister for visiting them in their trying period, asking that the students be accommodated in the National Social Investment Programmes of the Federal government.
The victims of the incident also met with the Minister, who is supporting them directly and will provide some psychosocial therapy to help with quick recovery and reintegration.
