- The governor also said contrary to reports, 137 schoolchildren, and not 287 schoolchildren, were abducted
Kaduna-based Muslim cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, did not play any role in the rescue of abducted Kuriga pupils, Kaduna governor, Uba Sani, has disclosed.
The controversial cleric had offered to negotiate with bandits for the release of the pupils.
Recall that the schoolchildren were abducted on March 7, 2024 from the Chikun Local Government Area of the state by marauding bandits.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, governor Sani confirmed the rescue of the 137 schoolchildren by the military in collaboration with local authorities in Zamfara state where their abductors moved them to.
He also debunked rumours that ransom was paid to secure the release of the abducted schoolchildren.
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.”
The governor also said contrary to reports, 137 schoolchildren, and not 287 schoolchildren, were abducted from the LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, Kuriga, about four weeks ago.
Sani regreted that a teacher who was kidnapped alongside the pupils couldn’t make it out alive as he developed some complications while in captivity. He commiserated with the family of the deceased teacher and consoled the families of the released schoolchildren.