Kaduna, Nigeria – In a shocking turn of events, gunmen in Kaduna, Nigeria, abducted over 250 pupils from a school in Kuririga. The incident took place on March 7, 2024, leaving the community in fear and uncertainty.
According to a member of the local community, the gunmen have demanded a ransom of 1 billion naira (approximately $621,848) for the safe return of the students. The kidnappers have threatened to kill all the students if their demands are not met within three weeks from the date of the abduction.
The motive behind the kidnapping, as revealed by a resident of Kuriga village, is believed to be retaliation against the government and security agencies for previous actions taken against their gang members. The situation is dire, with the lives of innocent children hanging in the balance as negotiations for their release continue.
Reports indicate that armed bandits on motorcycles stormed the LEA Primary and Secondary School in Kuriga village, taking more than 300 students captive. Despite some students being rescued, a significant number – 287 to be exact – remain with the kidnappers, with approximately 100 from the primary school and the rest from the secondary school.
Kaduna Governor Uba Sani has assured the public that his government is working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and students. The community has not been spared from tragedy, as a member who confronted the abductors during the attack lost their life in the pursuit of protecting others.
Kidnappings for ransom have become a recurring issue in Kaduna state, with several mass abductions occurring in recent years. The district where the LEA Primary and Secondary School is located has been particularly vulnerable to such crimes, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures and intervention to safeguard the lives of innocent citizens.
The harrowing ordeal faced by the abducted students underscores the ongoing challenges with security in the region, as families anxiously await the safe return of their loved ones. The government’s response to this crisis will be crucial in not only securing the release of the students but also in addressing the root causes of such heinous acts to prevent future incidents.