The promise of free education has been extended to the 137 schoolchildren from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School in Kaduna by the State Governor, Uba Sani.
Under the Uba Sani Foundation, Governor Sani has committed to renovating the schools and the Kuriga community where the children belong.
During an address at the Government House in Kaduna before their return to Kuriga, Sani mentioned the provision of psychological support for the children post-release, including counseling and therapy sessions conducted by healthcare professionals.
Tragically, one of the teachers abducted, Mallam Abubakar, passed away due to complications during captivity. The state government has pledged to sponsor the late teacher’s children through their education and provide a financial grant of N10 million to his family.
Upon the reunion of the children with their parents, Governor Sani praised the youngsters for their patience and resilience during the ordeal, highlighting the importance of the psychological support provided to help them cope with the mental challenges they faced.
The Governor assured that all 137 children will receive education under the Uba Sani Foundation’s initiative, which has a longstanding commitment to offering free education and healthcare services.
Emphasizing the peaceful nature of the Kuriga community, Governor Sani reiterated plans for substantial renovations in the area and schools. He paid tribute to the late teacher, expressing condolences and announcing support for his family.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed on Monday that no ransom was paid for the pupils’ release, aligning with the President’s stance on no ransom policy.
On March 7, 2024, the schoolchildren were kidnapped by criminals and were held in the forest, with the abductors demanding N1 billion for their release by March 27, 2024.
The military, in conjunction with local authorities from neighboring Zamfara State, successfully rescued the pupils on Sunday, March 24.