We’ll get all students abducted by bandits back safely – Gov. Uba Sani
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has pledged to get all the students abducted by bandits in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of the state back home.
The governor who made the pledge when he visited the community on Thursday, however, said that the total number of those kidnapped has not been ascertained.
The governor told the community members that he had received assurances of support from President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu to secure the release of the students unhurt.
He urged the community members not to despair but work with government to secure the release of the children and reinforce security there.
Uba Sani particularly appealed to parents of the abducted children to exercise patience, assuring that the government would not let them down.
“With pain in my heart, I visited Kuriga, Chikun Local Government, where bandits kidnapped primary and secondary school pupils and students, to commiserate with members of the community and assure them that all steps are been taken to ensure the safe return of the pupils and students.
“I was at the Palace of the District Head of Kuriga, Alhaji Lawal Abdullahi to receive full briefing on the unfortunate incident at LEA Primary and Secondary School, Kuriga.
“I also addressed members of the community who came out in large numbers to welcome us and express their grief.
“I learnt from members of the community that a valiant Vigilante member who confronted the bandits unfortunately lost his life,” he said in a statement after his return from Kuriga.
He said that both the President and NSA have given “strong assurances” that all measures are been taken to bring back the pupils and students.
“A Security Committee will be established in Kuriga, with membership drawn from key stakeholders in Kuriga Community, Security Agencies, and the State Government.
“I will make a strong case to the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff for the establishment of a Military Base in Kuriga to strengthen security in the area,” the governor added.
According to him, the incident has reinforced the need for state police.
“The unfortunate Kuriga incident reinforces our positions in support of the establishment of State Police.
“With State Police, there will be a standing Police Force in Kuriga drawn from members of the community who understand the terrain, the people and the issues at play.
“They can gather intelligence with ease. They will also be consitutionally empowered to bear arms, including sophisticated ones.
“This is important because Vigilante Groups are not allowed to carry arms. They are always at the mercy of these criminal elements who have scant regard for human life,” the governor added.
