The abducted Jangebe schoolgirls have been freed, as Governor Bello Matawale of Zamfara State, confirmed the good news on Tuesday.
The Jangebe schoolgirls who are from the Government Secondary School Jangebe were abducted on Thursday night last week by bandits. Their abduction was met with widespread condemnation, as it came a few days after the abduction of schoolboys in Niger State by bandits.
According to Governor Matawale, the released Jangebe schoolgirls are hale and hearty, and the total number of abducted persons is 279 and not 317 as widely reported a few days ago. He said:
“Alhamdulillah! It gladdens my heart to announce the release of the abducted students of GGSS Jangebe from captivity. This follows the scaling of several hurdles laid against our efforts. I enjoin all well-meaning Nigerians to rejoice with us as our daughters are now safe,” he said.
The state government also denied reports that ransom was paid for their release, but insisted that about 30 repentant bandits were swapped for them.
He urged the Federal government to strengthen the capacity of the security agents.
The Governor and his wife, A’isha were at the Government House to receive the freed schoolgirls.