A total of 137 schoolchildren who were abducted from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna State have been safely released and have arrived at the Government House in Kaduna.
The Kaduna State Government, led by Governor Uba Sani, announced on Sunday that the schoolchildren were freed without any ransom being paid to the abductors.
Governor Uba Sani, in a statement, declared, “I wish to announce that our Kuriga school children have been released.”
Additionally, the governor clarified that the initial reports of 287 abducted schoolchildren were inaccurate, confirming that only 137 students were kidnapped on March 7, 2024.
On a Channels Television program, Governor Uba Sani clarified that controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, was not involved in the release of the schoolchildren, despite his offer to negotiate with the bandits.
Responding to speculations about ransom payments, Governor Sani dismissed them, stating, “All those speculations you are hearing today are figment of some people’s imagination. I can tell you that without any fear of contradiction. There was nothing like Gumi in this operation. I can tell you. I won’t undermine the efforts of our Armed Forces.”
Confirming the release, the Nigerian Military stated that the pupils were rescued from Zamfara State.
