Last week, in Kuriga, within the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, a group of bandits seized 287 a pupils from a public school. Their demand for the release of these children? A staggering N1 billion ransom.
On Tuesday, the kidnappers initiated contact through the abducted school principal, Abubakar Isah, who had been taken along with the students on Thursday.
Aminu Kuriga, a friend of the principal, received the call from the terrorists around 2 p.m. that day, requesting the hefty sum. “One of the abductors reached out using a private number, stating they were situated at the northern fringe of Dansadau,” revealed a resident privy to the conversation. “They demanded the ransom for the release of all the children. We promptly informed the Kaduna State government, who advised us to proceed cautiously.”
It was revealed that the designated location for the ransom drop was within the Kwiambana Game Reserve, a notorious forest spanning Nigeria’s North-west and North-central regions. The portion of this forest relevant to the transaction fell within the Dansadau Emirate in Zamfara State, covering a substantial area.
This isn’t the first time such nefarious activities have taken place within the Kwiambana Game Reserve. Last September, a group of students from the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, kidnapped by suspected terrorists, were relocated to this very forest and are yet to be freed.
Regarding the recent abduction, the Kaduna State Government has maintained silence. Despite attempts to reach out for comment, including contacting Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, no response was received.
While the police spokesperson in the state, Mansir Hassan, claimed ignorance of the situation, he assured that efforts were underway for the unconditional release of the abducted children.
In the face of such adversity, President Bola Tinubu has taken a firm stance, vowing not to yield to the demands of kidnappers across the nation.
At Gallerypedia Info, we are your foremost news galleria, bringing you up-to-date news ranging from politics, sports, entertainment, and more.