From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
It was an atmosphere of excitement and joy following Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani’s announcement of the release of school children kidnapped from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State unhurt.
Similarly, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the abducted Kuriga students were rescued through coordinated search and rescue operation conducted by the military in collaboration with local authorities and government agencies.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
He said a total of 137 persons comprising 76 females and 61 male were rescued in Zamfara.
According to him, they would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action.
Speaking, a arent Jibril Tafida Kuriga told reporters that his joy had no bounds as he was called early yesterday morning and that their children are now with them, and he was in Kaduna to confirm the story.
Kuriga who is the father of one of the victims, Aisha Jibril added that he felt very happy, as well as other parents because losing a child for such a long period, turns out to be ceremonial when the children return.
“I am excited that the Kaduna State government has promised that our Children will be brought back to us tomorrow.”
Reacting to payment of any ransom Tafida said” We have not heard anything about ransom at any time.”
He lauded the federal government and Kaduna State government for the deployment of security personnel to the community which will ensure the safety of not only children but everybody in the vicinity.
“ In the past, we had no single security officer but now we have over sixty security officers that will ensure the safety of our children who are going back to school.”
Speaking earlier Gov Uba Sani said” Our special appreciation goes to our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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 fine-tuned strategies and coordinated 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.“
The rescue of the Kaduna pupils came in less than 48 hours after troops also rescued 16 pupils (Almajiris) with a woman taken hostage in Gada LGA of Sokoto State.
The kidnappers had earlier requested a ransom of N1bn for their release, setting a deadline of March 27, 2024, for the payment, while threatening that they would start killing them one after the other if the ransom was not paid at the given time.
