The Niger State Government has assured that they are making progress in the negotiation with the abductors of 136 pupils to ensure their release.

The deputy governor of the state, Ahmed Ketso disclosed this while giving an update on the situation at the Government House, Minna, on Wednesday.

Ketso, however, noted that the negotiation is not about the payment of ransom but on how to secure the release of the pupils unhurt.

“We can now confirm that a total of 136 students were abducted. This was followed by a briefing on measures been put in place for the safe release of the abductees.

“We are also in contact with the parents. We call on them to be patient, government is making all efforts to secure the release of the children,” Ketso said.

The deputy governor also announced a total ban on commercial motorcycle operations in Minna, the state capital.

Mass kidnappings have been on the rise in north-west and north-central Nigeria.