While confirming that the late Prophet had offered to pay the ransom but died the day he asked for the details of the school’s account, Abubakar said: “The Man of God intended to transfer the N200 million ransom and he prayed for us and for the release of the children”.

It should be recalled that the state government had refused to pay ransom to the kidnappers because they (bandits) often used the money to buy more sophisticated weapons with which they terrorise the people according to the government.

The Head Teacher, Alhassan, who expressed mixed feelings over the release of the children after a long stay in the hands of the bandits, said: “Even though we could not get the promised money, we really appreciate T.B Joshua.”

While disclosing that ransoms were paid to secure the freedom of the abductees, some parents expressed no regrets for whatever amount they paid to the bandits that ensured the safe release of their children.

According to Abubakar: “Except for the child that we lost, we thank Allah that all of them returned alive and well.” He was, however, evasive over the amount of the ransom paid saying: “I meant the ones gathered by the parents and well-meaning people; it does not mean the state government did.”