The Niger State Government says it cannot dictate to the gunmen who abducted students and staff of Government Science College Kagara, Niger State.

The victims have been in captivity since Wednesday despite President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that they should be rescued immediately.

Alhaji Ibrahim Matane, Secretary to the Niger State Government, said discussion with the bandits is ongoing.

He said efforts are being made for all the victims to be released unhurt.

“We can’t rush them (bandits) even if we have time, we can’t dictate to them. I believe they are taking their time but at the appropriate time, when we have other information, the public will know,” he said.

Matane debunked the rumour making round that the federal government has paid N800million for the release of the victims.

He said the federal government can not pay such amount to bandits.

Accompanied by Sheik Ahmad Gumi, prominent Islamic Scholar, Matane had met with bandits at Dutsen Magaji, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger, on Friday.

He had asked the bandits to support the government in securing the release of the abducted passengers of Niger State Transport Authority and the victims of Kagara.