According to Mustapha Abubakar, a JSS III student who was able to escape on Friday, over 200 pupils were abducted from the Kuriga community in Kaduna State and subjected to appalling conditions, as The Sun News reported. Abubakar revealed that the kidnappers provided very little food or drink, giving each victim three bottles of soft beverages and a few oranges for themselves. Abubakar claimed to have escaped through divine intervention, recounting how he had taken advantage of a chance to elude capture during the incident.
The abduction unfolded when armed bandits descended on the school with approximately 25 motorcycles, disrupting the students’ morning routines as they prepared to enter their classrooms. The assailants swiftly seized control, rounding up the pupils and leading them into the forest. Abubakar recounted the harrowing journey endured by the captives, marked by lengthy treks and meager provisions.
Responding to the distressing incident, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja visited the Kuriga community to express solidarity with the affected residents. Governor Uba Sani reassured parents of ongoing efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted children. The incident underscores the persistent challenges posed by insecurity in certain regions, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to safeguard vulnerable communities and prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.
He recounted: “They came to our school on 25 motorcycles at about 8.30 am when we were 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.
