In Kaduna State, uncertainties shroud the details of the release of the recently kidnapped Kuriga schoolchildren, according to security expert Bulama Bukarti.
Bukarti believes that it is important for Nigerians to be informed about how the children, who were abducted on March 7 from their school in Kuriga, regained their freedom.
Sharing his perspective on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the security expert stressed on the need for the government to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the release of the Kuriga schoolchildren in order to dispel any circulating speculations.
He emphasized, “I have been examining the events leading to their release, including whether any arrests were made, the terms of their release, or the methods of their rescue if applicable. In my findings, I encountered no reported information on these aspects.
“As citizens, we are entitled to understand the government’s strategies for ensuring our safety, the utilization of our resources, and the handling of criminal or terrorist activities within our borders.
“Legally and as concerned Nigerians, we have the right to be informed to foster confidence in our nation,” he articulated.
According to NewsNow, 137 schoolchildren were abducted by bandits from the school premises in Kuriga on March 7, but were eventually located and rescued in Zamfara State by a joint effort from the military and local authorities two weeks following the abduction.
Despite the announcement made by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, confirming the release of the students, the method of their rescue remains undisclosed, triggering speculations that a ransom might have been paid.
Conversely, the Federal Government refuted the ransom claims, affirming that no payment was made.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, credited the successful rescue to the collective endeavors of the country’s security agencies.