Mustapha Abubakar, a JSS III student who managed to escape on Friday, told The Sun News that over 200 kids kidnapped from the Kuriga town in Kaduna State endured horrific conditions. Abubakar revealed that the abductors gave very little food, giving each hostage just three bottles of soda as they fought over a few oranges each. Abubakar related how he managed to elude capture during the ordeal and attributed his escape to divine assistance.
The abduction unfolded when armed bandits arrived at the school with about 25 motorcycles, disrupting the morning routines of the students as they prepared to enter their classrooms. The assailants swiftly took control, herding the pupils into the forest. Abubakar shared the chilling account of the traumatic journey endured by the captives, which included long walks punctuated by minimal provisions.
In response to the distressing incident, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja visited Kuriga community to express solidarity with the affected residents. Governor Uba Sani reassured parents that efforts were underway to ensure the safe return of the abducted children. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges posed by insecurity in certain regions, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to protect vulnerable communities and prevent such tragedies from recurring.
He said: “They came to our school on 25 motorcycles about 8.30 am when we where trying to enter our classrooms. Then, some of the gunmen dropped on the main road and others surrounded the schools and took us to the bush”. Abubakar added.
