The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Friday said although Buhari did not visit Kankara, where the pupils were abducted, he coordinated rescue efforts from his hometown, Daura.
The minister also gave an indication that the country might have received foreign support in the efforts that led to the release of the students on Friday.
Mohammed spoke at a press conference in Abuja.
Asked why the President failed to visit Kankara despite that he was in the state as of the time of the abduction, the minister said, “Yes, the President did not visit the town but he was busy coordinating the entire operation to ensure the safe return of the students within the fastest time possible.”
Also responding to a question on whether the country received foreign help in securing the release of the pupils, Mohammed said, “As to whether there was any foreign collaboration, don’t forget that I said earlier that we thank all patriotic Nigerians and all friends of Nigeria.”
The minister also said the pupils were abducted by bandits and not Boko Haram sect as claimed by Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, in a video that was released on Thursday.
He said the sect leader was only trying to seek relevance by claiming responsibility.
Mohammed also insisted that the government did not pay for the release of the students.
“Money did not exchange hands. Negotiation does not necessarily mean money must be involved. They were released unconditionally,” he said.
The minister also gave an indication that the country might have received foreign support in the efforts that led to the release of the students on Friday.
Mohammed spoke at a press conference in Abuja.
Asked why the President failed to visit Kankara despite that he was in the state as of the time of the abduction, the minister said, “Yes, the President did not visit the town but he was busy coordinating the entire operation to ensure the safe return of the students within the fastest time possible.”
Also responding to a question on whether the country received foreign help in securing the release of the pupils, Mohammed said, “As to whether there was any foreign collaboration, don’t forget that I said earlier that we thank all patriotic Nigerians and all friends of Nigeria.”
The minister also said the pupils were abducted by bandits and not Boko Haram sect as claimed by Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, in a video that was released on Thursday.
He said the sect leader was only trying to seek relevance by claiming responsibility.
Mohammed also insisted that the government did not pay for the release of the students.
“Money did not exchange hands. Negotiation does not necessarily mean money must be involved. They were released unconditionally,” he said.
The PUNCH
