Nigeria, April 28 -- The proprietor of Daarulkitab Islamic Training Centre in Zariagi, Kogi State, Mohammed Tajudeen, has disputed official claims that several abducted pupils were rescued by security operatives, saying they in fact escaped on their own during the attack.

Mr Tajudeen told journalists during an on-site assessment that the pupils earlier counted among those "rescued" had fled into nearby bushes amid the chaos when terrorists stormed the school late Sunday night.

"They were not rescued," the school owner said, adding "those who are available now" ran and hid in the bush when the attackers came.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the terrorists invaded the school premises on 26 April, firing shots and abducting pupils as well as ...