The 287 Kuriga schoolchildren recently abducted by the daredevil bandits in Kaduna State have regained their freedom.
The state governor, Senator Uba Sani, made this known in a post on his verified Facebook page in the early hours of Sunday.
Newssphere recalls that bandits terrorizing the state had invaded LEA Primary School Kuriga and Junior Secondary School, Kuriga town, in Chikun Local Government Area of the state on March 7 and whisked away 287 students including a principal, Abubakar Isah to an unknown destination.
The assailants had demanded for N1 billion ransom as the only condition for the release of the children.
It was unclear if the children were rescued by the security operatives of ransom was paid.
Announcing their freedom, the governor failed to give details, but commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Nigerian Army.
He wrote, “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, which 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.”