The kidnapped Kuriga school students in Kaduna State have been released after 16 days in captivity, the state Governor, Senator Uba Sani has confirmed.
The Governor announced this on on his Facebook page in the early hours of Sunday.
Uba Sani commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Nigerian Army, without further details.
In the post, he stated:
“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 prioritising 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.”
The armed men had stormed LEA Primary School Kuriga and Junior Secondary School, Kuriga town, in Chikun Local Government Area of the state on March 7 and abducted students including a principal, Abubakar Isah.
The bandits were demanding N1billion for the release of the students, but both the state and federal governments insisted that no ransom would be paid.
President Tinubu ordered military and other security agencies to ensure the children were rescued.
One of the abducted 287 school children reportedly died in captivity. The released victims had been taken to hospitals for medical attention.