The Northern Elders Forum, led by Prof. Ango Abdullahi, has voiced deep concern regarding the recent abduction of over 287 pupils and teachers from Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School, Kuriga 1, located in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State by bandits,Punch reports.
The bandits raided LEA Primary Kuriga at approximately 8:30 am on Thursday, immediately following the morning assembly, and forcibly took away the pupils and staff of both schools. The secondary school had been relocated to the primary school due to security concerns in the area.
Governor Uba Sani has assured the people of Kaduna State that efforts are underway to safely rescue the abducted pupils.
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Expressing sadness over the deteriorating security situation, the Northern Elders Forum highlighted the alarming rise in school abductions, particularly exemplified by the recent attack in Kuriga village. In a statement by its Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the forum condemned the act and expressed grave concern over the escalating wave of school abductions in Northern Nigeria.
The statement emphasized the violation of the children’s right to education and the profound anxiety instilled in parents and educators by such reprehensible acts. The NEF stressed the urgent need for collaborative efforts between the government, security agencies, and local communities to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.
Furthermore, the NEF underscored the broader implications of such violence on Nigerian society, calling for proactive measures to protect schools, communities, and vulnerable populations in the North. The forum urged the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens, emphasizing the fundamental right to education and the imperative of safeguarding it against threats.
In conclusion, the NEF demanded the safe return of the abducted students and teachers and urged swift justice for those responsible for the heinous crime, emphasizing the collective outrage and concern of Nigerians over the deteriorating security situation in the country.
