The Kaduna State government has vehemently denied media reports claiming it hired a private negotiator to secure the release of hundreds of abducted students.
The denial comes after reports circulated on Friday alleging the government engaged a negotiator to facilitate the safe return of 287 pupils abducted from the Lea Primary School and students of Government Secondary School, Kuriga, both located in Chikun Local Government Area.
A statement issued by the governor’s press secretary, Christian Aburime, categorically refuted the claims. The statement emphasized that the Kaduna State government relies solely on official channels for negotiations and will continue to work with security agencies to ensure the students’ safe return.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Kaduna State Government has been drawn to an outrightly mischievous and false report of 9th March 2024 stating that the Kaduna State Government has hired a private negotiator to facilitate the safe return of school children abducted in Kuriga community, Chikun Local Government of Kaduna State.
“We wish to state categorically that the Kaduna State Government did not hire any private negotiator, neither are we contemplating making such a move.
“The hiring of a private negotiator only exists in the fertile imagination of the reporter. The Kaduna State Government has a clear policy on non-negotiation with terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
“We urge members of the Press to be cautious in the way they craft and publicise their stories on security in order not to jeopardise the efforts of Government and security agencies in degrading criminal elements laying siege on our communities.”
The abduction, which occurred on Wednesday, has sparked outrage and concern across Nigeria. The students remain unaccounted for, and the motive behind the kidnapping is unclear.
The Kaduna State government has faced criticism for its handling of previous kidnappings. This denial comes amidst heightened public pressure for the swift and safe return of the abducted students.
Authorities are yet to provide details on any potential leads or the progress of the investigation.
