Nigeria’s North West Kaduna State government has said that the
287 schoolchildren who were abducted by bandits from Kuriga School in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State have all been freed from captivity.
Kaduna State Governor, Mr Uba Sani, announced the release of the schoolchildren in a statement he issued on Sunday morning.
Governor Sani disclosed that the pupils were released unharmed by the captors and thanked President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in securing freedom for the schoolchildren.
The schoolchildren were abducted on March 7, 2024, from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, Kuriga.
The abductors demanded N1 billion for their release while giving a deadline of March 27, 2024, for the payment of the ransom.
But Governor Sani announcing the release of the abducted schoolchildren also commended the courage of the officers of the Nigerian Army for seeing to the successful release of the schoolchildren.
The statement read, “I wish to announce that our Kuriga school children have been released.
“Our special appreciation goes to our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for prioritising 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.”
“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.”
