137 pupils who were kidnapped from Kuriga, Kaduna State, have returned safely and are currently at the Government House in Kaduna. Governor Uba Sani’s announcement of their release brought much comfort. It highlights the necessity for stronger security measures and the ongoing difficulties caused by insecurity in the area. Despite these hardships, there is optimism for the community’s safety due to the students’ resilience and the coordinated efforts of the authorities.
The statement partly read, “I wish to announce that our Kuriga school children have been released.”
Important news was provided by Hammed Abodunrin, Commander of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre of the NSCDC, in a recent interview with The PUNCH on Sunday. He disclosed that 137 kidnapped students from Government Secondary School Kuriga and LEA Primary School, located in Kaduna’s Chikun Local Government Area, near Zamfara State, were freed following a triumphant military rescue operation.
President Bola Tinubu’s praise for the release of the Kuriga schoolchildren and students from a Tsangaya school in Sokoto State coincided with this noteworthy accomplishment. Tinubu acknowledged all parties concerned and praised their bravery and teamwork in securing the safe return of the kidnapped children, thereby bringing security and hope back to the impacted areas.
The Defence Headquarters reported the rescue of 137 Kaduna schoolchildren, raising questions about the fate of the remaining 150 abducted pupils from the schools on March 7, 2024. Contrary to initial reports, Governor Sani clarified that only 137 schoolchildren were abducted on that fateful day. He emphasized that the Nigerian military, in conjunction with local authorities from neighbouring Zamfara State, orchestrated the successful rescue operation. Additionally, Governor Sani debunked any involvement of Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad Gumi in the release of the abducted schoolchildren.
Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad Gumi volunteered to negotiate the students’ release with the terrorists after they were kidnapped. Meanwhile, all 36 states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, would receive training from the Federal Government for recently hired members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. In an effort to prevent more kidnapping occurrences involving youngsters, they will establish the School Safety Protection Squad.
The Sokoto State Government is responsible for looking after the rescued victims. Buba cited the military’s recent success as evidence of their steadfast dedication to freeing kidnapped individuals around the country.
He emphasized how dedicated the military forces are to their unwavering search for more innocent captives and the terrorists responsible for these abhorrent atrocities. This continuous devotion is an indication of a firm commitment to guaranteeing the security and safety of every person. He said they will not give up on these efforts until all hostages are located and those responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of Nigerian law. The nation’s collective resolve to fight terrorism and protect its citizens’ welfare is reaffirmed by such unwavering acts.
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