30th September 2009

PRESS STATEMENT

SSG was a victim of circumstance and that the operation was not targeted at him or any agent of the State Government.

Gentlemen of the Press you will recall that sometimes ago to be precise on Tuesday 22nd September 2009, after much inquiries about the whereabouts of the SSG from Members of the Public, we issued a statement stating that the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) was on official assignment to the southern part of the State. Subsequently, the next day after fruitless effort to locate his whereabouts, he was declared missing by the Kaduna State Police Command.

Thereafter, the security agencies intensified efforts to locate him and his whereabouts. Their efforts paid off after frustrating the assailants who were later to be identified as abductors of the SSG for ransom. The fact that no ransom was paid and the toll was telling on them frustrated their efforts and led them to the release of the SSG.

The SSG was taken to Warri in Delta State where he was held hostage for a better part of the time he was held captive. The combined efforts of the SSS and the Police gave the abductors sleepless nights and they felt that the security agencies were closing in on them and that soon the noose will be tightened around their necks. The only option left was for the immediate release of the SSG who is currently in our warm embrace.

At this juncture, it is pertinent for us to dispel rumours going the rounds that the SSG was abducted in open places and state that the incidence took place at the junction of Studio 40-40 along Barnawa-Narayi junction very close to the residence of the SSG. He was to proceed on official assignment the next morning to the southern part of the State when some uniformed men fully clad in Army camouflage numbering about ten (10) abducted himself and four other vehicles including a Toyota Camry, a Jeep, the vehicle of the SSG an End-of- Discussion and a Mercedez Benz that were forced on a convoy to drive and proceed straight to Delta State that night.

It should also be noted that the SSG was a victim of circumstance and that the operation was not targeted at him or any agent of the State Government. He was only discovered to be an SSG along the way courtesy of his identification card. He was abducted and was headed straight to Delta State where he was until his release. He was received in Benin and returned to Kaduna by our security operatives notably members of the SSS hale and hearty.

Signed:

Umar Sani

Special Adviser Media & Public Affairs