At least 287 school children kidnapped by armed gunmen in northwest Nigeria

On Thursday, March 7, bandits invaded the LEA Primary and Junior Secondary School, Kuriga, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, abducting at least 312 students along with Principal Abubakar Isah.

During Governor Uba Sani's visit to the school, officials and community leaders reported that 187 students were taken from the secondary school section, while 125 were from the primary school section.

Sani Abdullahi, one of the teachers who escaped the abduction, recounted that 25 pupils from the primary section managed to return, leaving 287 students and the principal in the custody of the bandits.

According to Abdullahi, the ordeal began at precisely 7:47 am when he entered the acting principal’s office to sign his attendance. Suddenly, the bandits surrounded the school premises, causing confusion among the staff and students.

They were then instructed by the bandits to enter the bush, where Abdullahi, fortunate to escape along with others, estimated approximately 700 pupils were following. Upon returning to the village, Abdullahi promptly informed the community of the incident.

Subsequently, vigilantes and personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS) pursued the bandits, but unfortunately, one vigilante was killed in the process.

Governor Sani assured that the government would exert all efforts to ensure the safe return of all the abducted children.