Image caption: Kaduna state governor Uba Sani
Army announce rescue of 153 pupils held hostages, as Kaduna gov writes Tinubu
Femi OGUNLANA
The Nigerian Army have announced rescue of 153 hostages in total assuring the operation would continue until others in captivity are freed.
This is as it was stated that killers of 18 soldiers in Okuama Delta state would be tracked down and brought to justice.
These are contained in a press release signed by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations.
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Recall that on 7 March 2024 terrorists invaded LEA School, Kuriga in Chikun LG of Kaduna state, during which unconfirmed number of pupils were abducted, causing a national outrage.
In the press release it is stated, “troops received information that terrorists had invaded LEA School Kuriga in Chikun LG of Kaduna State. During the incident unconfirmed number of pupils were abducted. Following the incident, the military committed to leaving no stone unturned until all the hostages were rescued.
“Accordingly, in the early hours of 24 March 2024, the military working with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated search and rescue operation rescued the hostages. The hostages are same persons that were abducted from the school at Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.
“The rescued hostages totalling 137 comprise of 76 females and 61 male. They were rescued in Zamfara State and would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action.’
It further said, “it would be recalled that on 21 Mar 24, troops equally rescued 16 pupils (Almajiris) with a woman taken hostage in Gada LGA of Sokoto State. These hostages were handed over to the Sokoto State Government.
“These efforts demonstrate the armed forces resolve to finding other innocent hostages and track down the terrorists that perpetrated these crimes.
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“These efforts would continue until other hostages are found and the terrorists arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law. Troops are employing similar effort to trackdown the culprits responsible for the killings of 18 soldiers in Okuama Community in Delta State. Justice await the culprits, as they can not go unpunished.”
Meanwhile, the Kaduna state governor, Senator Uba Sani, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu and Nigerians in general for standing by the state during the difficult period.
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“In the name of Allah the Beneficient, the Most Merciful, I wish to announce that our Kuriga school children have been released.
“Our special appreciation goes to our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for prioritizing the safety and security of Nigerians and particularly ensuring that the abducted Kuriga school children are released unharmed. While the school children were in captivity, I spoke with Mr. President several times. He shared our pains, comforted us and worked round the clock with us to ensure the safe return of the children.
“Special mention must also be made of our dear brother, the National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu for his exemplary leadership. I spent sleepless nights with Mal. Ribadu finetuning strategies and coordinating the operations of the security agencies, eventually resulted in this successful outcome.
“The Nigerian Army also deserves special commendation for showing that with courage, determination and commitment, criminal elements can be degraded and security restored in our communities.
“We also thank all Nigerians who prayed fervently for the safe return of the school children. This is indeed a day of joy. We give Almighty Allah all the glory.”
