Abducted Kaduna Schoolchildren Released
After almost 16 days in captivity, the kidnappers of the Kuriga pupils in Kaduna State have finally released them.
On Sunday morning, Senator Uba Sani, the governor of the state, made the announcement on his verified Facebook page.
Rather of commenting on the specifics of their release, the governor praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Nigerian Army, and the National Security Adviser.
In a letter he sent, he announced the release of the Kuriga students in the name of Allah, who is beneficent and kind.
We are extremely grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for making the release of the kidnapped Kuriga schoolchildren a top priority and for safeguarding the safety of all Nigerians. During the time that the students were held captive, I had multiple conversations with Mr. President. He empathised with our plight, offered consolation, and tirelessly collaborated with us to guarantee the children’s safe return.
Mal. Nuhu Ribadu, our beloved brother and national security adviser, deserves special recognition for the outstanding leadership he has provided. This achievement is the product of many late hours spent by Mal. Ribadu and me refining tactics and coordinating the activities of the security agencies.
Special recognition should also go to the Nigerian Army for demonstrating that it is possible to degrade criminal elements and restore community security through bravery, resolve, and dedication.
Finally, we’d want to express our gratitude to the many Nigerians who prayed earnestly that the kids would come home safely. It is a joyous day, indeed. All praise is due to the Almighty Allah.
Abubakar Isah, the principal, and other pupils were kidnapped by bandits on March 7 at around 8 a.m. from LEA Primary School Kuriga and Junior Secondary School in Kuriga town, Chikun Local Government Area, state.
The Daily Trust was informed by official sources that the real number of abducted pupils was 138, with one victim dying while in captivity, down from 287 as previously reported.
News broke that hospitals had been informed about the remaining 137 victims who had been freed by the bandits.
Outrage swept the nation when the kidnapping occurred soon after the assembly briefing.
The state and federal governments vehemently opposed any ransom demands made by the kidnappers, who allegedly wanted N1 billion from the family in order to free the children.
It was President Tinubu’s repeated call for the military and other security forces to take immediate action in order to save the children.