Kidnapped Kuriga School Children kidnapped by Bandits in Chikun local Government has been rescued by Nigerian Troops.
The Defence Headquarters on Sunday said the kidnapped Kuriga school children were rescued in Zamfara state and will be handed over to the Kaduna state government.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba and made available to newsmen on Sunday.
It could be recalled that on March 7, 2024, a teacher who escaped from the kidnappers told newsmen that about 287 pupils and teachers of the school were abducted by suspected bandits who took them into the forest.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement, stated that the victims were rescued in the early hours of Sunday by the troops with support from local authorities and government agencies.
Buba put the number of the rescued victims at 137, comprising 76 female and 61 male, adding that they would be conveyed to Kaduna where they would be handed over to the state government.
The statement read, “It would be recalled that, on March 7, 2024, troops received information that terrorists had invaded LEA School Kuriga in Chikun LG of Kaduna State. During the incident, an unconfirmed number of pupils were abducted.
”Following the incident, the military committed to leaving no stone unturned until all the hostages were rescued.”
“Accordingly, in the early hours of March 24, 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 that were abducted from the school at Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.”
“The rescued hostages totalling 137 comprise of 76 females and 61 males were rescued in Zamfara State and would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action.”
The rescue of the Kaduna pupils is coming a day after troops rescued 16 pupils (Almajiris) with a woman taken hostage in Gada LGA of Sokoto State.
The troops have handed over them to the Sokoto State Government.
According to Buba, the recent success of the troops was a testament to their resolve to rescue kidnapped victims across the country.
Buba noted that similar efforts have been put in place to track down those behind the killing of soldiers in Delta State.
He added, “These efforts demonstrate the armed forces’ resolve to find other innocent hostages and track down the terrorists that perpetrated these crimes.”
“These efforts would continue until other hostages are found and the terrorists arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law.”
”Troops are employing similar efforts to track down the culprits responsible for the killings of 18 soldiers in Okuama Community in Delta State.”
Also the Kaduna state Governo, Sen. Uba Sani in the early hours of Sunday, March 24 in a statement made available on his Social Media handle (Facebook) lauded President Bola Tinubu, and the Nigerian Army for their roles in ensuring the return of the abducted school children.
According to him, 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.”
The statement reads, “I wish to announce that our Kuriga school children have been released.”
“Our special appreciation goes to our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for prioritising the safety and security of Nigerians and particularly ensuring that the abducted Kuriga school children are released unharmed.”
“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.”
It would be recalled that the students from Kuriga’s Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School were kidnapped on March 7, 2024, and taken into the forest by kidnapers.
The kidnappers set a deadline of March 27, 2024, for the ransom payment and demanded N1 billion in exchange for their release.
•INDEPENDENTNG.