The first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Sunday received four of the five students of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma who were abducted by bandits.
Speaking at the State House, Presidential Villa when she received the students, Mrs Tinubu said learning and education are veritable weapons in the fight against terrorism and criminality by individuals and communities.
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“I join a cheerful nation to welcome our beloved daughters home as you re-unite with your families. We grieved over the sad fate that had befallen you and we join your family to celebrate your safe return. Since your dreadful abduction on October 5, 2023, it has been a period of pain for you, your parents, your teachers and indeed all Nigerians.
“Throughout this period, we have kept faith and trust in God and in our law enforcement agencies that you will return safely. Since the incident, law enforcement officers from various agencies worked tirelessly to ensure your return home. Today we thank Almighty God for protecting you and reuniting you with your loved ones,” she said.
The first lady assured the rescued girls of the federal government’s commitment and that of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI to support them psychologically and with their education as they begin their healing after more than 70 days in captivity.
She added that it is imperative that their experience does not hinder their educational pursuits and career interest.
“Beyond your safe return, we would follow up on your journey not only to recover from this sad episode in your lives, but to see that you accomplish your mission in your educational pursuit and career interests. Already, I have been briefed on the courage you have shown so far and I encourage you to turn this episode in your lives, into a story of triumph”.
“You must continue to pursue your educational interests. By ensuring that you continue to learn, as we provide you with the necessary medical and psychological support, we at the Renewed Hope Initiative, (RHI) are also committed to providing you with guidance and support to reach your full potential,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu noted that their experience and that of other Nigerians who have been kidnapped is difficult and encouraged them that this phase will pass with the determination and tenacity of the security and intelligence forces and the support of all Nigerians.
Each rescued girl received a scholarship grant of N1million and a brand-new laptop from the Renewed Hope Initiative, an Initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
She also announced that the federal government would give N2million to the parents of each of the rescued girls and N1million to the vice chancellor of the university.
She expressed gratitude for their safe return and commended the exemplary leadership role of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the effective coordination of law enforcement agencies who worked diligently over the past few months to ensure their safe return and the return of every Nigerian held against their will.
The representative of the national security adviser, Brigadier-General Olutayo Adesuyi while handing over the girls to the first lady said meeting with the rescued girls is significant as it shows the solidarity of the federal government’s support.
Present at the meeting were parents of the rescued girls, the deputy vice chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin Ma Katsina, representative of the inspector general of police and the legal officer of the National Counter Terrorism Center.