Terrorists Behind Abduction Of Kuriga Schoolchildren Were Killed – DHQ
THE Defence Headquarters has said that the abductors of 137 schoolchildren from a government-owned school in Kuriga in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, were killed during the rescue operation.
Over 280 pupils were reportedly abducted by terrorists during an attack on the school. The abductors had demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release.
However, 137 schoolchildren were rescued in Zamfara State on 24 March 2024 after a “fierce battle” between the terrorists and the military in collaboration with civilian joint task force elements.
The Defence Headquarters had in a statement said the children were rescued by troops in collaboration with local authorities.
“Accordingly, in the early hours of 24 March 2024, the military, working with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated search and rescue operation rescued the hostages,” the DHQ said.
“The hostages are the same persons that were abducted from the school at Kuriga in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“The rescued hostages totalling 137 comprise 76 females and 61 males. They were rescued in Zamfara State and would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State government for further action.”
They were released 18 days after their abduction but the authorities did not mention if ransom was paid to secure their release.
However, Defence spokesperson, General Edward Buba said the children were released following coordinated military operations with no arrests made rather, he said some of the terrorists were killed in the operation.
“Several (of the terrorists) were killed in military action, and no arrest was made,” the Defence spokesperson said.
However, Defence spokesperson, General Edward Buba in an exclusive chat with LEADERSHIP Weekend said the children were released following coordinated military operations with no arrests made rather, he said some of the terrorists were killed in the operation.
On whether arrests were made, he said “Several were killed in military action, and no arrest was made.”
Speaking at a briefing on Thursday, General Buba said the armed force was bent on sustaining the winning ways of its operational engagements as demonstrated by the recent rescue of 16 and 137 hostages in Sokoto and Kaduna States, respectively.
“The rescue of these hostages is indicative of a better understanding of the dynamics of what we are dealing with and to address the issue in a much safer manner”.
He explained that the rescue operations were based on collaboration between the military working with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated approach.
“The success demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the armed forces to secure and protect the citizens against harm and acts of terror.”
He continued “The pressure of military operations created a significant level of distress both for the terrorists and the children. Given the situation, the troops’ line of interest was the children. The level of distress created by the children was sufficient enough for troops to exploit in their rescue.”
Source: LEADERSHIP Weekend
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