Gov confirms the safe return of the abducted pupils

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has clarified that the number of schoolchildren abducted on March 7, 2024, from Kuriga in the Chikun Local Government Area of the state was 137, not 287 as previously reported.

The children were taken from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, Kuriga, approximately four weeks ago. The Defence Headquarters confirmed that 137 students were rescued, debunking the earlier reports of 287 abducted children.

Governor Sani emphasized that the figure released by the military is accurate and dismissed the claim of 287 as a fabrication. He expressed his priority of ensuring the safe return of the children and stated that the families of the children have confirmed the military’s numbers. The governor described the inflated figure as the work of propagandists.

While expressing his regret over the loss of a teacher who developed health complications while in captivity, Governor Sani consoled the families of the released schoolchildren. He also clarified that Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a Kaduna-based Muslim cleric, was not involved in the safe return of the pupils, despite his offer to negotiate with the bandits for their release.

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Governor Sani categorically denies the speculations circulating and assures that they are mere products of imagination. He emphasizes that there was no involvement of Gumi in the operation and expresses his unwavering support for the efforts of the Armed Forces.

The alarming rate of schoolchildren abductions in Nigeria is a grave concern, with insurgents capitalizing on this menace by demanding exorbitant ransoms for their release. The recent abduction of pupils and staff members from Apostolic Faith School in Ekiti State is just one example of this distressing trend.

While some victims have been fortunate enough to regain their freedom, others continue to suffer in the clutches of their abductors, enduring both physical and sexual abuse. This series of mass kidnappings, from Chibok to Dapchi, Kankara, Kagara, and various other locations, has sparked global outrage and necessitates urgent action.