In a shocking incident, 287 students from the Government Secondary School (GSS) in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, have been reported missing.
The school was unexpectedly invaded by bandits on a recent Thursday morning, resulting in the abduction of both students and teachers.
Sani Abdullahi, a teacher at the school, recounted the harrowing experience. He reported that the bandits had surrounded the school premises, causing panic and confusion among the staff and nearly 700 students present. The bandits then forced them into the nearby bush. Abdullahi was among the few who managed to escape and alert the local community.
Despite immediate action by the local vigilante and KADVIS personnel, the pursuit of the bandits was unsuccessful, even resulting in the death of a vigilante member. Upon returning, efforts were made to ascertain the exact number of missing individuals. It was found that 187 students from GSS Kuriga and initially 125 pupils from the primary school were missing. However, 25 of the primary school pupils managed to escape and return home.
Governor Uba Sani, who visited the scene of the incident, assured the community of the safe return of all the children. He stated that the security forces were already in action and that every necessary measure would be taken to ensure the children’s safety. He also emphasized the government’s role in protecting citizens’ lives and property and reiterated his support for the creation of State Police to enhance local security.
The governor further promised to establish a Police Station and a military camp in the community to prevent such incidents in the future. He urged the community to remain calm and pray for the safe return of the children.
