The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has shown her generosity and compassion to the students and parents of the Federal University Dutsin Ma, who were abducted by gunmen on October 5, 2023. The students were rescued after more than two months in captivity, following a joint operation by the security and intelligence agencies.
On Sunday, the First Lady hosted a reception for the students and their parents at the State House Presidential Villa, Abuja, where she presented them with various gifts and support. Each of the four rescued students received a scholarship grant of ₦1 million and a new laptop from the Renewed Hope Initiative, an initiative of the First Lady. The parents of each student also received ₦2 million from the Federal Government, while the Vice Chancellor of the University received ₦1 million.
The First Lady expressed her joy and gratitude for the safe return of the students, who she described as “our beloved daughters”. She said she had been praying and trusting in God and the law enforcement agencies for their rescue. She also commended the courage and resilience of the students, who endured a period of pain and trauma.
She assured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to providing them with medical and psychological support, as well as guidance and assistance in their educational pursuits and career interests. She urged them not to let their experience hinder their dreams and aspirations, but to turn it into a story of triumph.
She also emphasized the importance of education as a weapon against terrorism and criminality and encouraged the students to continue to learn and excel in their studies. She said education is the key to unlocking the potential of the youth and creating a sustainable, clean-energy future for Nigeria.
The First Lady also acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices of the security and intelligence forces, who worked tirelessly to ensure the release of the students and other Nigerians held against their will. She said the Federal Government is determined to end the menace of kidnapping and banditry in the country and to restore peace and security for all Nigerians.
The representative of the National Security Adviser, Olutayo Adesuyi, who handed over the students to the First Lady, said the meeting was significant as it demonstrated the solidarity and support of the Federal Government to the victims and their families.
The reception was attended by the parents of the rescued students, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin Ma, the representative of the Inspector General of Police, and the National Counter Terrorism Legal Officer.
The abduction of the students of the Federal University Dutsin Ma was one of the several cases of kidnapping that have plagued the country in recent years, especially in the northern region. According to the Nigeria Security Tracker, a project of the Council on Foreign Relations, there were 1,061 reported incidents of kidnapping in Nigeria between January and November 2023, resulting in 2,371 deaths and 3,892 abductions.
The Federal Government has been taking various measures to address the security challenges, such as deploying more troops, acquiring new equipment, and collaborating with regional and international partners. The government has also been engaging in dialogue and negotiations with some of the armed groups, as well as offering amnesty and rehabilitation programs for repentant bandits and terrorists.
The rescue of the students of the Federal University Dutsin Ma is a testament to the success of these efforts, and a sign of hope for the thousands of Nigerians who are still in captivity or living in fear. The First Lady’s gesture of kindness and generosity is also a source of inspiration and motivation for the students and their parents, who can look forward to a brighter future.
Source: Business Day
