About 287 schoolchildren and staff who were abducted from a secondary and primary school in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been reunited with their families.
The joyful news was confirmed by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, in a brief statement issued in the early hours of Sunday.
Governor Uba Sani expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Nigerians, particularly in ensuring the safe release of the abducted Kuriga school children. He revealed that during the ordeal, he had multiple conversations with the President, who shared their concerns and tirelessly worked towards securing the children’s freedom.
Special recognition was also given to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for his exceptional leadership. Governor Uba Sani acknowledged the sleepless nights spent strategizing and coordinating security operations with Ribadu, which ultimately led to the successful rescue mission.
The Nigerian Army was commended for their bravery and dedication, demonstrating that with concerted efforts, criminal elements can be subdued, and communities can be restored to safety.
The abduction occurred on March 7 when armed men raided the Local Government Authority Education (LGEA) Primary School, and Government Secondary School (GSS), Kuriga, seizing 312 pupils and students along with several staff members during the morning assembly. Despite the return of 25 children on the same day, 287 victims remained in captivity.
After six harrowing days, the captors demanded a ransom of N1 billion for the release of the abducted individuals. This demand came shortly after Islamic Scholar Ahmad Gumi offered his assistance to the government in negotiating the release of the schoolchildren.
According to SBM Intelligence, a security assessment and consulting firm, Kaduna State has seen a surge in kidnapping incidents, with 132 cases reported from 2019 to March 15, 2024. The state has witnessed the abduction of 3,969 residents by non-state actors, highlighting the region’s volatile security situation.
The successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren in Kuriga brings a glimmer of hope amidst the challenges faced in the region, underscoring the importance of collaboration between government agencies and the community in ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
