BREAKING: Gov Sani Releases Statement On 137 Abducted Pupils Rescued

Governor Uba Sani has made an official announcement that 137 abducted pupils in Kuriga, Chukun Local Government Area has been released.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has made an official announcement that 137 abducted pupils in Kuriga, Chukun Local Government Area has been released.

VerseNews reports that the governor announced the development on Saturday night.

VerseNews reported that about 287 were kidnapped when the gunmen on motorcycles rode through their school, taking them away in an incident that sparked outrage and condemnation from several quarters including the UN children’s welfare agency UNICEF.

However, the governor did not state how the children were released. The terrorists who abducted the children had earlier demanded a N1 billion ransom for their release.

In his statement last night, the governor indicated that the federal authorities had played a role in the release of the 137 abducted pupils.

“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 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, 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.“

Nigerian Defence Headquarters confirm release of the 137 abducted pupils

Confirming the development, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba in a statement said that a total of 137 abducted pupils were rescued, contrary to reports that 287 children were abducted by bandits on March 6.

According to the statement, the children were rescued in Zamfara State in the early hours of Sunday, through the joint efforts of the military and local authorities.

The rescued hostages comprise 76 females and 61 males, with ages between eight and 15.

The statement said the rescued students will be handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action.

“It would be recalled that on 7 March 2024, troops received information that terrorists had invaded LEA School Kuriga in Chikun LG of Kaduna State. During the incident unconfirmed number of pupils were abducted. Following the incident, the military committed to leaving no stone unturned until all the hostages were rescued,” the statement read.

“Accordingly, in the early hours of 24 March 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 who were abducted from the school at Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.

“The rescued hostages totalling 137 comprise 76 females and 61 males. They were rescued in Zamfara State and would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action.”