More than 200 students and staff have been safely released after being kidnapped from a school in northern Nigeria earlier this month. The Kaduna state governor’s office confirmed the successful rescue on Sunday, just days before the ransom deadline.
The abduction took place on March 7 in Kuriga, Kaduna State, marking the first mass kidnapping since 2021. Notably, Boko Haram initiated school kidnappings in Nigeria, with the infamous Chibok incident a decade ago. While some Chibok girls remain captive, recent incidents involve criminal gangs seeking financial gain.
Governor Uba Sani credited the national security adviser for coordinating the students’ release without disclosing specifics. Expressing gratitude to the army, President Tinubu, and Nigerians for their prayers, Sani hailed the safe return of the children.
Despite ransom demands of One Billion naira last week, the government reiterated its stance against ransom payments following a 2022 ban. Kidnappings for ransom are prevalent in Nigeria’s north, posing challenges for families forced to raise funds often through selling assets.
Negotiations typically secure release for kidnap victims, although officials deny making ransom payments post-2022 legislation.
0
0
