All the 287 schoolchildren kidnapped on March 7 by terrorists from Kuriga, a community in Kaduna State, have regained freedom.
This is contained in a statement released in the early hours of Sunday, March 24, by the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani.
Terrorists early on Thursday morning March 7, invaded the LGEA Primary School, Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State and kidnapped the pupils with some teachers shortly after the morning assembly.
The abductors demanded N1bn for their release while giving a deadline of March 27, 2024, for the payment of the ransom.
Governor Sani in the latest statement thanked President Bola Tinubu; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the Nigeria Army for the release of the Kuriga pupils and students.
The statement read, “In the name of Allah the Beneficient, the Most Merciful, I wish to announce that our Kuriga schoolchildren 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 schoolchildren 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.”
