Difficulty We Encountered To Ensure Your Release, Buhari Tells Freed Lecturers

President Muhammadu Buhari has narrated the difficulty he and the security operatives went through to be able to secure the release of the three lecturers and nine women from the strangle hold of ISIS and Boko Haram, respectively.

The President, who formally received the freed lecturers and women at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, today, Monday, said that the negotiation for their release was “painstaking and protracted’’ because their abductors were in groups.

According to President Buhari, the terrorists were in different locations, which necessitated more diligence and care in ensuring the safety of their lives.

“Let me say that this Government treasures all human lives particularly that of its citizens, and following your abduction, the security agencies were directed by me to do everything possible to ensure the safe release of every one of you and other persons.”

Buhari then directed all the security agencies to take more measures in protecting schools and students, even as he expressed sadness that some students were abducted from Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State.

“While thanking the security agencies and all those who facilitated this, let me clearly reiterate the resolve of this Administration to ensure all persons abducted by the insurgents, are rescued or released safely.

“This is especially against the backdrop of the recent sad incident where another group of girls were abducted on 19th February, from Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State.

“I have since directed all security agencies to immediately ensure that every effort is directed to ensure the safety of our schools and students, as well as bringing back the abducted girls to their families.”

President Buhari commended all the various security agencies, government agencies and international organizations for their professionalism throughout the rescue process, promising that the government will work closely with them for rehabilitation and resettlement of all displaced persons.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Department of State Security, Lawal Musa Daura, said negotiations for the release of more abducted Nigerians were already on, with considerations for the cessation of all hostilities and amnesty for the insurgents, who choose to embrace it.

One of those released, Dr Solomon Yusuf, a lecturer, said they were impressed with the government’s intervention.

“While we were in captivity, there were lots of analyses if we will ever make it out; with 180 million Nigerians, we were thinking who will remember us. We are happy you came for us. It shows that the life of every Nigerian is important.”