No ransom paid for Kaduna school children’s release – FG insist
The Federal Government declared on Monday that it did not make any ransom payment for the release of 137 students who were abducted from Kuriga in Kaduna State's Chikun Local Government Area. Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, stated after the Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja that no ransom was paid following President's commitment.
Idris expressed the President's gratitude towards the security forces for ensuring the safe rescue of the kidnapped students, promising to identify and punish all those involved in the abduction. The abduction took place on March 6 when armed individuals on motorcycles raided the school, seizing the students, sparking condemnation from the Presidency, as well as the UN children's welfare agency UNICEF and the international community.
Contrary to earlier reports of 287 rescued students, a statement by Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that 137 pupils were successfully rescued through a collaborative effort between the military and local authorities in Zamfara State in the early hours of Sunday.
During the crisis, Kaduna-based Muslim cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi had offered to negotiate with the kidnappers. In response to inquiries regarding the government's interaction with the cleric, the Minister emphasized the government's resolve to acquire any pertinent information to address security challenges. He stated that Sheikh Gumi, like any other individual, is subject to the law, and his suggestions, if constructive, would be considered by security agencies, while reckless statements would be addressed accordingly.