In a significant development, the Kaduna State Government has reported the safe return of 287 pupils who were abducted from their schools in Kuriga, located in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The students, hailing from both the LEA Primary School and the Government Secondary School in Kuriga, had been kidnapped on the 7th of March, 2024.
The joyful news of their release was confirmed on Sunday through an official statement from the office of the state governor, Senator Uba Sani.
Sani said: “In the name of Allah the Beneficent, 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, 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.”
