The 287 Kuriga School children abducted by bandits on March 7 have been released, Kadua Governor Uba Sani announced on Sunday.
Sani, in a statement issued in Kaduna, expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the great feat.
He particularly thanked Tinubu for prioritising the safety and security of Nigerians and for ensuring that the abducted Kuriga school children were 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, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for his exemplary leadership.
”I spent sleepless nights with Ribadu fine tuning strategies and coordinating the operations of the security agencies, which eventually resulted in this successful outcome.”
Sani said that the Nigerian Army also deserved a special commendation for showing that with courage, determination and commitment, criminal elements could be degraded and security restored in the communities.
The governor also thanked 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,” an excited Sani declared.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that bandits had abducted the girls around 8.20 a.m. on March 7 after they stormed their LGEA Primary School, Kuriga in Chikun Local Government.
Also abducted were teachers.
The incident threw the nation into total confusion as many wondered how the bandits could move with such large number undetected.
An angry Tinubu quickly ordered the security agencies to put in everything possible to bring back the children
Early in the week, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, rushed to Kaduna, met with relevant stakeholders and vowed to secure the release of the school children.
That promise came to fruition when the children were released Sunday morning.
The news of the release of the school children is expected to bring some relief to Nigerians in a country where kidnappers casually abduct both high profile and common citizens.
The North appears worst hit by the menace which had affected all spheres of life, especially education, food production, transport and social life. (NAN)
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