Kaduna State Debunks Claims Of Hiring Private Negotiator To Secure Release of 287 Abducted Students

The Kaduna state government has debunked the claim made by Punch Newspaper alleging that a private negotiator was hired to facilitate the safe return of the abducted school children

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kaduna State Governor, Muhammad Lawal Shehu on Friday, it was stated that the claim is false as the state government has “a clear policy on non-negotiation with terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.”

“The attention of the Kaduna State Government has been drawn to an outrightly mischievous and false report in the Punch Newspaper of 9th March 2024 stating that the Kaduna State Government has hired a private negotiator to facilitate the safe return of school children abducted in Kuriga community, Chikun Local Government of Kaduna State.

“We wish to state categorically that the Kaduna State Government did not hire any private negotiator, neither are we contemplating make such a move. 

“The hiring of a private negotiator only exists in the fertile imagination of the Punch Newspaper reporter. The Kaduna State Government has a clear policy on non-negotiation with terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.

Shehu also called on the members of the press to be cautious in the way the report stories in order not to jeopardize the efforts of the government.

“We urge members of the Press to be cautious in the way they craft and publicise their stories on security in order not to jeopardize the efforts of Government and security agencies in degrading criminal elements laying siege to our communities. 

“If the Punch Newspaper had made efforts to contact the Kaduna State Government, they would have gotten the correct information. The Press are our partners in progress. Our doors are always open.”

Chioma Kalu