Toba Owojaiye Reporting
In a heartfelt meeting on Thursday, Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, extended her support to the recently rescued students of the Federal University Gusau. The emotional encounter saw the minister assuring the students of enhanced security and immediate humanitarian assistance to aid their recovery from the traumatic experience.
The students had fallen victim to daring bandits who had attacked their university, kidnapping twenty-five female students from their hostels. Thankfully, sixteen of these students have been successfully rescued by security forces.
Accompanied by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Dr. Betta Edu conveyed a message of renewed hope to the university’s management and students. She emphasized President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s concern over the unfortunate incident and his commitment to ensuring the safe return of the remaining abducted students.
Dr. Edu personally interacted with the rescued students, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the Federal and State governments to bolster security in Zamfara State and the broader Northwest region. She assured, “I bring you the assurance of the President, that those remaining students will be back.”
Security and the welfare of citizens are top priorities for the government, and the President has initiated measures to improve security across the country, said Dr. Edu. She encouraged the students not to be discouraged by the incident and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to assisting in their rehabilitation, reintegration, and educational pursuits, including student loans and scholarships.
Governor Lawal praised Dr. Edu for her visit and expressed the State Government’s dedication to collaborate with the Federal Government in ensuring a conducive learning environment and the protection of lives and property. He acknowledged Zamfara’s need for federal assistance and welcomed the Minister’s visit as a sign of increased cooperation from the federal government under President Tinubu.
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Gusau, Professor Muazu Abubakar Gusau, recounted past ordeals with bandits and called for heightened security for the institution. He appealed to Dr. Edu to include the university in her ministry’s intervention programs.
The university’s Student Union Representatives, led by Comrade Bello Aliyu, appreciated the Minister’s visit and urged that the students be incorporated into the National Social Investment Programmes. The victims of the incident also received direct support from the Minister, including psychosocial therapy to aid their quick recovery and reintegration into society.
The visit by Dr. Betta Edu signifies the government’s prompt response to providing immediate assistance, the synergy between government agencies regardless of political party and support to the rescued students and highlights the importance of security and education in the nation’s agenda.