Gunmen who abducted 287 students and teachers from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, Kuriga, Kaduna State, have demanded a staggering N1 billion for their release. They also set a deadline for the payment of the ransom, expiring on March 27, 2024.
According to Reuters, the bandits contacted a spokesman for the families of the hostages on Tuesday to convey their demand for the ransom.
The tragic incident occurred on March 7, 2024, when the schoolchildren were forcefully taken into the forest by the hoodlums.
Jubril Aminu, acting as a spokesman for the families of the hostages, revealed, “They demanded a total of N1 billion ransom for all the pupils, students, and staff of the school. They issued an ultimatum to pay the ransom within 20 days from the date of the kidnapping (March 7). They threatened to kill all the students and staff if the ransom demand is not met.”
Confirming the ransom demand, Idris Ibrahim, the councillor representing Kuriga Ward in the Chikun Local Government, stated, “Yes, the kidnappers contacted the community through Jubril Aminu’s number and made the demand. They called from a hidden number, but efforts are underway to trace the number.”
He reassured that security forces were taking necessary measures to secure the safe release of the students.
Meanwhile, tension and fear grip the Kuriga community as parents and residents grapple with the daunting ransom demand. Many are evacuating their families to neighboring villages due to the precarious situation.
Efforts to reach the Kaduna State Police Command Public Relations Officer for an update on rescue efforts proved unsuccessful.
In response to the situation, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kaduna State Governor, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, affirmed the governor’s commitment to rescuing the abducted children. He urged the media to avoid jeopardizing ongoing rescue efforts.
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, reassured the public that the abducted students and teachers would be rescued. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between security agencies and communities to achieve success in combating crime.
Audi gave the assurance on Thursday when he visited the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, a statement on Thursday by the NSCDC spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, stated.
The CG said the corps was ready to work with relevant security agencies to effect the release of the students and their teachers and to ensure that the perpetrators do not go scot-free.
Audi stated, “We are ready to work in collaboration with all relevant security agencies with full mechanisms and security apparatus put in place to see that the perpetrators of this heinous crime do not go scot-free.
“The NSCDC remains a key actor in the nation’s internal security and the lead agency in the Safe Schools Initiative. Currently, we are in strong synergy with the Nigerian Army, the Police and others for the quick and safe return of the abducted students.”
Also,Governor Sani on his part commended the collaborative efforts of security agencies and stressed the need for all stakeholders to actively participate in ensuring the safety and security of Kaduna State.
