On Thursday, March 7, armed bandits abducted over 280 students and staff members of the Local Government Education Authority School (LGEA) in Kuriga village, Kaduna.
According to an Al Jazeera report the bandits invaded the village around 8 a.m., shooting in the air and causing chaos before they left with the victims.
An eyewitness in the area spoke with the press and said “They were surrounded from all angles and left with almost 200 pupils and students.”
Kaduna-born Former lawmaker, Shehu Sanni, also confirmed the kidnapping, noting that a similar abduction case happened in the same location about a month ago.
What is happening now?
The news of the abduction has stirred a flurry of heated reactions from Nigerians across the country, and many people calling calling on the federal government to swing into action and secure the release of the abductees.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna state police command spokeperson, Mansir Hassan, noted that security operatives have been deployed to rescue the victims.
“It’s true, kidnapping occurred, presently we have deployed additional security personnel in the bush to rescue the victims.” He added, “All the security agencies in the State, Police, Military, Vigilante and other security agencies have put their heads together and presently in that bush working hard to rescue the victims.”
Governor Sani visits Kuriga
The state’s governor, Uba Sani, also visited the village shortly after the incident, promising that the abducted students will be rescued and reunited with their parents soon.
Speaking to pressmen, Governor Sani said: “We will do whatever we need to do to ensure the safe return of these children. They are my children and it is our responsibility as a government to ensure security.”
The governor said he has informed President Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu about the abduction.
He also directed the community to constitute a seven-member committee to provide daily updates as the security agencies carry out their responsibilities.
This is a developing story.
