Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has hailed the office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies over the safe release of the Kuriga schoolchildren in Kaduna State.
Diplomat Nigeria reports that 287, were kidnapped on March 6 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.
But Kaduna State Governor said 137 schoolchildren were kidnapped from Kuriga in the Chikun Local Government Area of the state, and not 287, as earlier announced.
Two weeks after their kidnap, the children were rescued by security agencies. The military on Sunday said the victims were rescued in Zamfara State in the early hours of Sunday, through the joint efforts of the troops and local authorities.
Shortly after, the President commended the efforts of security agencies in securing the release of the schoolchildren.
“President Bola Tinubu welcomes the news of the release of the Kuriga school children in Kaduna State and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the federal government and states for expected outcomes, especially on matters of security,” a statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale read.
“The President commends the National Security Adviser, the Security Agencies, and the Kaduna State Government for the dispatch and diligence with which they handled this situation, noting that incipient urgency, meticulous attention, and tireless dedication are critical to optimal outcomes in cases of mass abductions.”
The Commander-in-Chief also welcomed “the release of pupils of a Tsangaya school in Sokoto State, commending all the parties to the feat for their valiant effort.”
He assured Nigerians that his administration is deploying detailed strategies to ensure that our schools remain safe sanctuaries of learning, not lairs for wanton abductions.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has also clarified that 137 schoolchildren were abducted on March 7, 2024.
The governor said it was not 287 schoolchildren, as was previously reported.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, the governor provided the update, revealing that the military, in cooperation with local authorities from Zamfara State, successfully rescued all the kidnapped children from the clutches of the bandits.
He said, “Those numbers were just figments of people’s imaginations. They just went to the media and reported those figures.
“At that time as a leader, I shouldn’t bother myself about figures and numbers.
“I met with the families of the children, and they confirmed to me that the numbers given by the military are the correct number.
“Today, I am happy. The families are happy, and the state government is happy.”
The schoolchildren were abducted from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, Kuriga, on March 7, 2024
Contrary to earlier reports, the Defence Headquarters announced on Saturday that a total of 137 students have been successfully rescued.
