‘We rescued Kankara schoolboys’ — military contradicts govs on involvement of Miyetti Allah
The defence headquarters says the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji successfully rescued all 344 abducted students of Government Science Secondary School Kankara, Katsina state.
Bello Matawalle, governor of Zamfara, and Bello Masari, his Katsina counterpart, had separately said the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association played a major role in the release of the schoolboys.
But in a statement on Friday, John Enenche, spokesman of the defence headquarters, said the military rescued the captives, thanking “the members of general public who volunteered information are also appreciated”.
He said the students were rescued “on the heels of credible intelligence by the gallant troops”, with high degree of professionalism to ensure they were all rescued alive.
“Keeping to its promise to ensure the safe return of all abducted students of Government Science Secondary School Kankara, Katsina State, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI rescued all 344 abducted students on Thursday 17 December 2020,” he said.
“The Military High Command commends troops of Operation Hadarin Daji including all security agencies for their dexterity.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has met with the students who spent six days in captivity.
After addressing them, the Katsina government reunited the victims with their families.
Is it the word rescued that is bothering the detractors? Does the army have to use force before you recognize it as a rescue? Is it not professionalism when authorities choose negotiation instead of force to obtain the release of hostages? I do not see any lies or contradictions in the Army’s statement.