Rescued Kuriga students: Army briefs Kaduna Governor
Asma’u Halilu, Kaduna
The General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation WHIRL PUNCH, Major General Mayirenso Saraso, has met with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to provide a comprehensive briefing on the successful rescue mission of 137 abducted school children.
The children, taken from primary and secondary schools in Kuriga town, Chikun local government area of Kaduna State, on March 7, were rescued after spending about 16 days in captivity.
During the meeting at Kaduna Government House, Major General Saraso conveyed the joyous news of the children’s liberation, albeit with somber notes.
Six of the rescued children required medical attention and were receiving care at an Army medical facility, while tragically, one school staff member, Mr. Abubakar, had lost his life during captivity, leaving the total number of rescued individuals at 137.
The rescued children, comprising 76 females and 61 males from the Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in Kuriga, were initially received at the Nigerian Army Troops Forward Operating Base Dandadau in Zamfara State. After receiving first aid and refreshments, they were escorted to Kaduna for further care and eventual reunification with their families.
Governor Uba Sani expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all security agencies for their concerted efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted children.
Also Read: Kaduna Residents Applaud Government on Release of Kuriga students
He commended the unwavering dedication of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the collective commitment of service chiefs and security personnel, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the government and security agencies.
Amidst the celebration of the children’s freedom, Governor Sani cautioned against misinformation and urged vigilance against insecurity merchants. He reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing security, vowing to continue efforts to safeguard communities across Kaduna State.
In a related development, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) welcomed the successful rescue operation, emphasizing the need for proactive measures against future kidnappings.
The National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, praised the collaborative efforts of stakeholders and called for the strengthening of anti-terrorism strategies to ensure the safety of all Nigerians.
The details of the process that culminated in the release of the students remain undisclosed, understandably due to security concerns. Nevertheless, this development potentially heralds a new era in the government’s approach to counter-terrorism measures.
