Kaduna Governor Clarifies: 137 Schoolchildren Abducted, Not 287, Upon Pupils’ Return

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has clarified that contrary to initial reports, 137 schoolchildren, not 287, were abducted on March 7, 2024, from Kuriga in the Chikun Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Sani in a late night media briefing confirmed that all the abducted schoolchildren had been rescued by the military in collaboration with local authorities from neighbouring Zamfara State, where the kidnappers had taken them.

The abduction occurred at LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, Kuriga, approximately two weeks ago.

The Defence Headquarters also confirmed on Saturday that a total of 137 students were rescued, dispelling earlier reports of 287 abducted children.

Governor Sani emphasized that the number released by the military is the accurate figure, dismissing the previously reported higher number as unfounded.

“While I do not wish to engage in disputes over numbers, what matters most to me is the safe return of the children. I am pleased that they have returned safely today, in high spirits. However, the higher figures were merely products of imagination,” Governor Sani stated.

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Despite the successful rescue operation, Governor Sani expressed regret that one teacher who was kidnapped alongside the pupils did not survive due to health complications developed while in captivity. He extended condolences to the family of the deceased teacher and offered solace to the families of the released schoolchildren.

“The unfortunate reality is that only one person, the teacher, did not return. All 137 children are safely back with us. Regrettably, the teacher could not be saved due to health issues he encountered during captivity. This is the information we received from the military and security agencies,” the Governor explained.