The Kaduna State Government has refuted a media report claiming that it engaged a private negotiator for the release of over 200 students kidnapped in the Kuriga community, Chikun Local Government of the state last Thursday.

Muhammad Lawal Shehu, the Chief Press Secretary to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, revealed this in a statement on Saturday, adding that the government had no plans to participate in any negotiations.

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

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

Recall how terrorists abducted approximately 287 students and teachers from the Government Secondary School and the LEA Primary School in Kuriga, Kaduna State, causing nationwide anger.

According to reports, the bandits raided the Kuriga area of Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Government Area, firing at their victims before abducting students and instructors from both schools.