Only 137 of 286 schoolchildren of Kuriga primary and secondary schools abducted by terrorists in Kaduna State on March 7, have regained their freedom, emerging details are showing.
Early on Sunday morning, Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, announced the release of the students.
The rescued students comprise 76 females and 61 males and were rescued in Zamfara State.
Recall that two weeks ago, on Thursday morning March 7, terrorists invaded the LGEA Primary School, Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State and kidnapped scores of pupils and teachers at about 8:20 am immediately after the morning assembly.
In a statement on Sunday, Governor Sani said the Kuriga students had been released, without giving an exact figure. This led many to conclude all the hostages were freed, but a clarification later by the Defence Headquarters put the number released at 137, 149 short of those abducted.
Said Sani: “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.”
A statement issued by the director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, said the victims were rescued in Zamfara State through the joint efforts of the military and local authorities.
He said, contrary to reports, the number of victims was 137 and not 286.
“It would be recalled that on 7 March 2024, troops received information that terrorists had invaded LEA School Kuriga in Chikun LG of Kaduna State.
“During the incident unconfirmed number of pupils were abducted. Following the incident, the military committed to leaving no stone unturned until all the hostages were rescued,” the statement read.
“Accordingly, in the early hours of 24 March 2024, the military, working with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated search and rescue operation, rescued the hostages. The hostages are the same persons who were abducted from the school at Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.
“The rescued hostages totalling 137 comprise 76 females and 61 males. They were rescued in Zamfara State and would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action,” the statement partly reads.
On Saturday, DHQ said troops of Operation Hadrin Daji 16 Almajiris and a woman abducted in Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Major General Edward Buba the Director Defence Media Operations in a statement said the rescued hostages have been handed over to the Sokoto State Government for further action.
He said: “Additionally, the armed forces is extending all of its efforts and resources to find other innocent hostages and track down the terrorists that perpetrated these crimes. These efforts would continue until they are found and the terrorists arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law. The military would not rest until all kidnapped hostages are rescued.
“Furthermore, troops are deploying same effort to trackdown the culprits responsible for the killings of 18 soldiers in Okuama Community in Delta State on 14 March 2024. Indeed, to curb the freedom of action of terrorist and the perpetrators of insecurity across the country. The military has released a banner of wanted terrorist and their cohorts.
“The banners would be deployed in strategic areas across the country. The deployment of the banner is for ease of recognition and arrest of the wanted persons. They public is urge to cooperate and report, please”
