GOVERNOR Uba Sani of Kaduna State has offered free education to the rescued Kuriga school students under his foundation.
The governor also promised to rebuild the LEA primary and government secondary school in Kuriga, in addition to providing other basic infrastructure in the community.
Addressing the children at the state house before their departure to Kuriga on Thursday, Governor Sani assured them that the kidnapping incident, would not in any way affect their education, stating that adequate security has been provided to the Kuriga community, to ensure that the residents go about their daily lives without fear.
He also announced an N10m donation to the family of the head teacher, Abubakar Isah who died in captivity, as well as offered scholarships to his children up to university level.
“Yesterday, the parents came here, met the children and everyone was happy. I would like to give credit to the children who have since been handed over to the Kaduna State government. They were very patient with us. They also understand the situation they found themselves in.
“When they came back, we realised that some of their situations were serious mentally. That was why we decided to engage the services of psychologists, and they went through a lot of sessions with doctors and nurses, counselling and therapy. I am happy that all the children here are extremely happy and in high spirits.
“When we met two days ago, they told me they did not want to go back home, and that they wanted to stay with me for the next two weeks. But I told them it was not possible, and that they had to go home. Their parents are missing them after about 17 days since they last saw them.
“They will go home by the grace of God today. And I want to say here today, that all the 137, like I promised them; will be my students by the grace of God. I have already directed the Uba Sani Foundation which has been in existence for the past 16 years delivering free education and healthcare, to look after them.
“I have also directed, that a lot of renovation be put in place in the community and the schools because to me, Kuriga community is one of the most peaceful communities in Kaduna State.
“All the children are back safely, but we lost only one teacher, and may his soul rest in peace. Mallam Abubakar was a good man, and his children have missed him. We all miss him. He was one of the most resourceful teachers in the school, but we lost him.
“The Kaduna State government will be supporting the children of Mallam Abubakar through school. We will also be supporting the family with N10m because of what they went through. Mallam Abubakar died due to some medical conditions he had. May his would rest in peace,” he said.
The fresh move comes after the governor was said to have allegedly employed the services of a private negotiator, a move which had led to the release of the students from captivity.
The news of the children’s release met with further questioning from the public, who demanded an explanation of how the governor was able to secure their freedom.
However, while speaking on Channel Television’s Sunday Politics, the governor argued that it was irrelevant whether or not a ransom was paid to free the abducted Kuriga students.
According to him, what was important was the fact that the government had been able to rescue all of them unhurt.
He said: “What is more important today is that our children are back home. Most of those permutations are not necessary. If your child is kidnapped, will you be sitting down and talking about how he was released?
“For me, what is more important is that those children are back home. Their parents are extremely happy and what is important to them is to reunite with their children.
“But some people who have no business with the situation are the ones coming out with some irresponsible permutations about whether ransom is being paid, whether someone had gone into the kinetic or non-kinetic approach. What is important to us in Kaduna is that the children are back home.”
The schoolchildren were abducted from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, Kuriga, about four weeks ago, however, the Defence Headquarters, on Saturday, said they had been rescued.