300 kidnapped school children freed in Nigeria

New Delhi, Mar 24: The governor of Kaduna state in Nigeria announced the release of nearly 300 schoolchildren who were abducted earlier this month. Governor Uba Sani confirmed the safe return of the children, expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in securing their release.

The harrowing incident unfolded on March 7 when armed bandits on motorcycles raided the LEA Primary and Secondary School in Kuriga village, Kaduna's Chikun district, kidnapping over 300 students. While some were rescued, some escaped, shortly after the abduction, and 287 remained captives, including both primary and secondary school students.

Reports indicated that the kidnappers demanded a hefty ransom of 1 billion naira ($620,000) and issued threats to harm the students if their demands were not met. However, the precise details surrounding the children's release were not disclosed by Governor Sani.

Kaduna state, situated southwest of the Nigerian capital Abuja, has been plagued by a series of kidnappings for ransom by bandits in recent years. The mass abduction of schoolchildren underscores the persistent challenges faced by authorities in addressing insecurity in the region.

While the release of the kidnapped schoolchildren brings a sense of relief, it highlights the urgent need for sustained efforts to enhance security and protect vulnerable communities from the threat of violence and abduction.