One of the rescued students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Kaduna, Abdulganiyu Aminu, revealed that they were flogged almost every day by the bandits.

Speaking in an interview with Tribune Online shortly after their release said he and two of his siblings, Haruna and Adamu, were among the 39 Afaka students that were kidnapped.

He also said during their captivity, the bandits refused to allow them to pray, saying, “any time we told them we want to pray, they don’t allow us.”

According to him, during their three weeks, they were held captive, he could not have a proper sleep, noting, how can one sleep.

Aminu also said: “If the bandits didn’t flog us, they will use the bottom of the gun to hit us,” describing their ordeal as the most harrowing experience in his 25 years on earth.

Earlier, during the handing over of the school authorities, the state commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, remarked that the government was elated over the release of the five students.

He said that initially, five students were released and handed over to their parents. Today, another five students were released making a total of 10 rescued so far.

He charged the released students to be strong and focus in their studies, saying, let this predicament not discourage you to continue with your studies.

“Use this opportunity to turn your life for good,” he urged.

Receiving the students on behalf of the management, the provost of the college, Dr Usman Bello, said, “We thank all the stakeholders that made this reunion possible.”

He added “This is the second batch of the rescued students. I’m hopeful too that the remaining will soon join us. (Tribune Online)

•College Provost, Dr Usman Bello, exchanging pleasantries with one of the rescued students of Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Kaduna

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