It could be recalled that on March 7, 2024, the schoolchildren from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, Kuriga, Kaduna State, were abducted by hoodlums who took them into the forest.
Report has it that the abductors demanded N1bn for their release while giving a deadline of March 27, 2024, for the payment of the ransom as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the security agencies to secure their release and bring these perpetrators into justice.
In a statement signed by the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani who announced the release of these school children, hailed the President for prioritising the safety and security of Nigerians and particularly ensuring that the abducted Kuriga school children are released unharmed.
He said, “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.”
The Governor also appreciated the courage of the officers of the Nigerian Army for seeing to the successful release of the schoolchildren. “The Nigerian Army deserves special commendation for showing that with courage, determination and commitment, criminal elements can be degraded and security restored in our communities”.
He thanked Nigerians who prayed fervently for the safe return of the school children, saying this is indeed a day of joy. “We give Almighty Allah all the glory.” It was learnt that the 137 victims released by bandits had been taken to hospitals for medical attention and will be released to their families.
The President, in a statement released by his aide on Sunday welcomed the news of their release and emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal government and the states for expected outcomes, especially on matters of security.
He lauded the National Security Adviser, the Security Agencies, and Kaduna State Govt 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.
Tinubu also welcomed the release of pupils of a Tsangaya school in Sokoto State, commending all the parties to the feat for their valiant effort.
President Tinubu assured all Nigerians that his administration is deploying detailed strategies to ensure that our schools remain safe sanctuaries of learning, not lairs for wanton abductions.
In his reaction on X, the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar said he is elated at the news of the release of the abducted school children after 16 days in captivity, commended all those who worked tirelessly to make their release a reality.
“As we celebrate with their families and friends, let’s be mindful that, like stage four cancer, this state of insecurity that has befallen our nation is metastasising and needs proactive measures to stem it.
“I can only imagine the trauma that these vulnerable children have suffered. It is recommended that the children receive psychotherapic care by professionals”, the ex-Vice added.
Atiku called on the Government at all levels not to wait for the next incident before putting mechanisms in place to forestall such while recommended the strengthening of the Safe School Initiative that prioritises protection of schools.
“Especially in the areas that are most vulnerable to mass kidnap of school children. But above all, there should be an overhaul of the security architecture to meet the demands of the threats facing us”, the PDP Presidential candidate pointed out.
In his words on X, the Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi said, “It is comforting to hear that 287 school children abducted in Kaduna have been released. It is hard to imagine the mental pain and trauma the children must have gone through in the hands of their abductors”.
He thanked the government, the security agencies, and all those who made immense efforts to see that these children released from captivity and reunited with their families. “The report of their release is however reassuring to the nation and their parents”, he said.
Peter Obi urged the Government not just to make efforts to release many of the people in the different kidnappers dens across the country, but to end the scourge of insecurity completely.
He said, “We must ensure that every Nigerian is safe in Nigeria, by not giving terrorists any operating space in our nation. No Nigerian should ever be a captive or hostage anywhere in his fatherland.
Obi encouraged every Nigerian, in the midst of these dark and fearful nights in the nation where danger seems to be lurking on every corner, to remain hopeful for the new dawn of a secure and safe nation – the New Nigeria which is possible.
World Trade Organization, Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in her reaction on X said “Wonderful news on the release of the abducted children from Kuriga!!
“Thanks to the Security forces and all in Govt involved in their release. Now let the Safe Schools Initiative kick in to better protect our children and encourage parents to send and keep their children in school”, she said.