Following the abduction of students and school staff from a public school in Niger State on Tuesday, February 16, President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered security agencies to secure their immediate release.

The president’s directive was contained in a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu.

The full statement below:

”President Muhammadu Buhari has received reports of the brazen attack on Government Science College, Kagara, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, following which a yet to be ascertained number of staff and students have been abducted by gunmen.

Following these reports, the President has directed the Armed Forces and Police, to ensure immediate and safe return of all the captives.

The President has also dispatched to Minna, Niger State a team of security chiefs to coordinate the rescue operation and meet with state officials, community leaders, as well as parents and staff of the College.

President Buhari has assured of the support of his administration to the Armed Forces in their brave struggle against terrorism and banditry and urged them to do all that can be done to bring an end to this saga, and avoid such cowardly attacks on schools in the future.

Our prayers are with families of the victims of this attack.”