Kidnappers responsible for the abduction of school children in Kaduna have reached out to families of the hostages, demanding a staggering ransom of 1 billion nairas ($620,432) for their release.
Reuters reports that the kidnappers have issued a chilling ultimatum, threatening to harm the students and staff if demands are not met within 20 days.
The incident unfolded on March 7, 2024, when bandits launched a brazen attack on the Kuriga community in Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Government Area.
Approximately 286 students, along with several teachers from the LEA Primary School Kuriga, were forcefully abducted during the assault, prompting widespread concern and condemnation.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued directives to security agencies and the Ministry of Defence, emphasising a firm stance against paying ransoms to kidnappers, bandits, or criminal elements. Despite this, the lives of the abducted students remain in jeopardy as the kidnappers’ threat looms large.
Jubril Aminu, a community leader acting as a spokesperson for the families of the abducted students, revealed details of the ransom demand made by the perpetrators. According to Aminu, the kidnappers have set a strict deadline of 20 days for the payment of the exorbitant ransom, with grave consequences promised in case of non-compliance.
Idris Ibrahim, an elected official representing the Kuriga Ward municipal council, confirmed the ransom demand, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the crisis. Security forces are said to be actively engaged in ongoing operations to locate the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the hostages.
The abduction incident has once again underscored the alarming security challenges facing Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole. Calls for more robust measures to combat banditry, insurgency, and other forms of criminality have intensified in the wake of the abduction crisis.
As the nation rallies in solidarity with the affected families, there is a growing consensus on the need for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safe return of the abducted students and teachers.
The resilience and unity of the Nigerian people will undoubtedly play a crucial role in overcoming this humanitarian crisis and restoring peace to the affected region.
