Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State clarified that 137 schoolchildren, not 287, were taken by bandits on March 7 in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area.
He said the military, with local support from Zamfara State, rescued all the children. The governor emphasized that the number 287 was incorrect and described it as made up by some people. He expressed relief that the children were safe and in good spirits.
“I don’t want to join issues with anyone in terms of numbers. What is more important to me is the safe return of the children. Today, I am happy that they are back safely, in high spirit, but those numbers were just figment of some people’s imagination,” the governor stated”.
Governor Sani explained that he met with the families of the children who confirmed the military’s figure as accurate. He dismissed the number 287 as propaganda.
“Today, I met with the families of the children and they confirmed to me that the numbers given by the military are the correct numbers,” he added, describing the “287” as works of propangadists”.
Sadly, one teacher who was abducted with the pupils died due to complications while in captivity.
The governor extended condolences to the teacher’s family and comforted the families of the rescued children.
He clarified that Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a cleric in Kaduna, was not involved in the rescue operation, despite offering to negotiate with the bandits.
The governor stressed that speculations about Gumi’s involvement were unfounded, expressing trust in the efforts of the Armed Forces.
Sani said: “All those speculations you are hearing today are figment of some people’s imagination. I can tell you that without any fear of contradiction. There was nothing like Gumi in this operation. I can tell you. I won’t undermine the efforts of our Armed Forces”.
