It was a hero welcome for Treasure Ayuba, last of the 121 kidnapped pupils of Bathel Baptist High School to have gained freedom from captivity of bandits.
Ayuba’s freedom came at a high price after 2 years four months in the den of the marauding bandits that invaded hostel residential quarters of the school in the dead of night instilling terror and awakening far asleep students after a busy day in classrooms.
All the kidnapped learners except one were released in piecemeal since 5 July 2021 after negotiation with their abductors.
Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State Rev. Joseph Hayab, while leading a delegation of well wishers in celebrating the release of Ayuba to Kaduna state government house from the den of kidnappers disclosed that over a whopping sum of 250 millon naira had been paid as ransom by parents of the abductee pupils.
Hayab debunked the narrative in some quarters that Ayuba was left in captivity because of his refusal to leave the kidnspoers’ den, saying such story was not true.
He lamented the desecration of centres of learning by dare-devil bandits and insurgents whose activities he noted had impacted negatively on pursuit of formal education in the northern region.
While acknowledging the important role played by relatives, community leaders as well as good spirited individuals in securing the freedom of Ayuba and others, Hayab commended gallantry and valour of security agencies for their relentless efforts in ensuring safe and peaceful atmosphere in and around schools.
He described Ayuba as a courageous young man whose display of bravery in the hands of ruthless bandits he declared was worth emulating.
Speaking earlier, Senator Uba Sani,
Governor of Kaduna State, ” I had the honor of receiving our dear son, Treasure Ayuba, a student of Bethel Baptist High School, who was recently released from captivity.
“Treasure was led on this visit by our highly respected cleric, the CAN Chairman, Kaduna Chapter, Rev. John Joseph Hayab and accompanied by his parents and relatives.
“Our special thanks goes to the Almighty God for His divine intervention. I salute the courage of Treasure Ayuba’s parents and relations. I also commend Rev. Hayab for his exemplary leadership.
“I must not fail to commend our security agencies for working relentlessly to ensure the safe return of Treasure Ayuba and other kidnapped school children”.
He went further to say that, “while we rejoice over the safe return of Treasure Ayuba, we must remember that there are other children still being held by criminal elements.
“We shall not rest until they are released and reunited with their families. The Kaduna State Government is putting in place concrete measures to ensure the safety and security of our schools”.