THE abducted Kuriga schoolchildren in Kaduna State have been released by their abductors.
The state governor, Senator Uba Sani, announced their release on his verified Facebook page in the early hours of Sunday.
News Point Nigeria had reported that on Thursday, March 8, bandits abducted over 200 students from a school in Kuriga, a town in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and marched them into the forest.
The governor did not go into details of their release, but commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Nigerian Army.
He wrote, “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.”
Recalled the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar recently assured that the kidnapped Kuriga students will soon be rescued.
The Minister stated this in Kaduna on Thursday while addressing troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army, who are in the frontline against bandits troubling the North-Western states of the country when he visited to encourage them.
“We have the power, will , strength and determination and our morale is high to end insecurity, I know what you have been doing to rescue the school children unhurt keep the morale high, the President is behind you hundred percent.
“I have been briefed about your efforts to rescue the kidnapped schoolchildren. The strategies that I have been briefed about is going on very well and I am sure you will get them.
“We will free those children and bring them back to their parents,” he had said.