By Daniel Edu
In a distressing turn of events, gunmen have kidnapped 286 students and staff from a school in Kaduna, demanding a hefty ransom of N1 billion for their release.
The harrowing incident took place on March 7 in Kuriga, a town in the northwestern region of Kaduna State. This marks the first mass kidnapping in Nigeria since 2021, sending shockwaves throughout the nation.
Jubril Aminu, a community leader acting as a spokesperson for the families of the victims, revealed that the kidnappers contacted him directly, demanding the staggering sum for the safe return of all hostages. They issued a chilling ultimatum, threatening to execute the students and staff if the ransom is not paid within 20 days from the date of the abduction.
Confirming the ransom demand and its amount, Idris Ibrahim, an elected official from Kuriga Ward municipal council, stated that the kidnappers communicated through Aminu’s phone. Despite the call originating from a concealed number, efforts are underway to trace it, he added.
Assuring the public of ongoing efforts, Ibrahim emphasized that security forces are actively working to secure the release of the abducted students and staff.
However, there has been no immediate response from Samuel Aruwan, the commissioner of internal security and home affairs in Kaduna State, regarding the kidnappers’ demands. Similarly, spokespersons for President Bola Tinubu and the army have yet to comment on the situation.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Idris, the country’s information minister, addressed the media, stating Tinubu’s stance on the Kuriga kidnappings. He emphasized the president’s directive for security agencies to prioritize the safe return of the hostages without succumbing to ransom demands.
It’s worth noting that legislation introduced during Tinubu’s predecessor’s tenure imposes severe penalties, including imprisonment, for anyone found paying ransom to free hostages, as Nigeria grapples with a surge in kidnapping incidents.
