Pupils of Kuriga Primary School in Kaduna State that were kidnapped by bandits two weeks ago have been released by their captors, the government announced today.
The state governor, Uba Sani, announced the development in a statement he signed and shared on his X handle.
In the statement he hailed the efforts of President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the Nigerian Army and all Nigerians for their fervent prayers.
Sani’s statement reads: “In the name of Allah, the Beneficient, 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 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.
“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.”
About 287 pupils and some of their teachers were abducted by gunmen at the school located in Chikun Local Government Area of the state on March 7.
The terrorists later demanded a ransom of N1 billion for the release of the children.
They made the request through the principal of the school, Abubakar Isah, who was abducted alongside the students and who phoned one of his friends, one Aminu Kuriga, and told him about their demand.
The request was duly conveyed to the state government.
However, neither information about the payment of ransom nor a figure of the exact number of the pupils released was given by the governor in his statement.