Abducted Kaduna schoolchildren have regained their freedom after weeks in captivity.
Glamtush reports that scores of schoolchildren abducted from Kuriga, Kaduna State have been released, two weeks after they were taken away in what was one of Nigeria’s largest mass kidnappings in years.
This online news platform gathered that this was revealed in the early hours of Sunday, March 24, by the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani.
The students, about 287, were kidnapped when the gunmen on motorcycles rode through their school, taking them away in an incident that sparked outrage and condemnation from several quarters including the UN children’s welfare agency UNICEF.
But weeks after the gunmen locally known as bandits seized the schoolchildren, mostly between 8 and 15 years old, Governor Uba Sani said they have regained their freedom.
The statement reads, “In the name of Allah the Beneficient, the Most Merciful, I wish to announce that our Kuriga school children have been released.
“Our special appreciation goes to our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for prioritizing the safety and security of Nigerians and particularly ensuring that the abducted Kuriga school children are released unharmed.
“While the school children were in captivity, I spoke with Mr. President several times. He shared our pains, comforted us and worked round the clock with us to ensure the safe return of the children.
“Special mention must also be made of our dear brother, the National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu for his exemplary leadership. I spent sleepless nights with Mal. Ribadu finetuning strategies and coordinating the operations of the security agencies, which eventually resulted in this successful outcome.
“The Nigerian Army also deserves special commendation for showing that with courage, determination and commitment, criminal elements can be degraded and security restored in our communities.
“We also thank all Nigerians who prayed fervently for the safe return of the school children. This is indeed a day of joy. We give Almighty Allah all the glory.”
Recall that to match his words with action, Governor Sani directed troops to ensure the safe return of the students.
“The Kaduna State Government and Security Agencies are working round the clock to ensure the safe return of the school children,” Governor Sani wrote on his X account just after the incident.
“I have received strong assurances from the President and National Security Adviser that no stone will be left unturned to bring back the children.”
Authorities did not give the figures for the Kuriga mass kidnapping, but a teacher in the school said 287 persons were abducted.
“At GSS Kuriga, 187 students are presently missing,” Sani Abdullahi told Channels Television. “In the primary school, 125 pupils were initially missing, but, 25 of them escaped and retired home.”
The mass abduction in Kuriga came days after suspected terrorists seized some persons from an internally displaced people (IDP) camp in Borno State.
