The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed during a press briefing at the State House on Monday that no ransom was given to secure the freedom of the schoolchildren who were abducted in the Kuriga area of Kaduna State.
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The incident involved the kidnapping of 137 schoolchildren in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on March 7 by bandits, which sparked widespread concern and calls for their safe return.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State later announced on Sunday that the abducted pupils had been released, with the Nigerian Military confirming that they were rescued from Zamfara State where they were being held by their captors.
Minister Idris expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the National Security Adviser, NSA, and the service chiefs in facilitating the release of the schoolchildren during the press conference.
President Bola Tinubu has instructed security agencies to step up their actions to combat the issue of kidnapping in the country, as reiterated by Minister Idris, who emphasized that no ransom was paid for the release of the abducted schoolchildren.
The President’s directive is aimed at ensuring that kidnappings are eradicated, and all those involved in such criminal activities are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice, as stated by Minister Idris during the briefing.
