Bandits Demand N1 Billion Ransom for Abducted Kaduna School Children

The bandits responsible for the abduction of 287 pupils from a public school in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have demanded a staggering N1 billion ransom for the release of the innocent children.

The demand was made through the principal of the school, Abubakar Isah, who was also abducted alongside the students last Thursday. Contacted on Tuesday, the terrorists conveyed their demand to one Aminu Kuriga, a friend of the principal, stating that the sum must be paid to secure the safe return of the children.

The location specified for the ransom delivery is reportedly within the notorious Kwiambana Game Reserve, spanning across Nigeria’s North-west and North-central regions. This reserve, known for its treacherous terrain, has been a hub for criminal activities, including previous abductions.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the Kaduna State Government has remained silent. Attempts to reach the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, were unsuccessful, leaving concerned citizens in the dark about the government’s response.

While the police spokesperson in the state, Mansir Hassan, claimed ignorance of the situation, efforts are supposedly underway for the unconditional release of the abducted children.

In a separate development, President Bola Tinubu has taken a firm stance against ransom payments to kidnappers, echoing the government’s directive to security agencies to prioritize the safe release of victims without succumbing to extortion.