All the students and pupils of LEA School, Kuriga in Chikun Local Council, who were abducted March 7 have now regained their freedom.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, disclosed this earlier today saying all the school children were released unharmed.
Armed bandits had abducted the children as they were just rounding off from the assembly ground on March 7 and marched them into the forest.
It is still not clear yet if the children were rescued or they were released and if any ransom was paid.
It had been reported that 287 students and pupils were abducted including the principal of the school. But the military has now confirmed that the total number of hostages was 137 and all of them have regained their freedom
Were the hostages released or rescued?
While the statement put out by the government says the hostages were released and seems to suggest there were some negotiations before this release was effected, the statement put out by the military categorically stated that the hostages were rescued in Zamfara State after a coordinated search and rescue operation.
The military had mounted a massive operation to free the hostages in the aftermath of the incident.
Giving a breakdown of the number of hostages, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba put the total number of hostages as 137 comprising 76 females and 61 males.
President Tinubu welcomes release
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the release of the school children.
In a statement by his by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President said the commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the security agencies and the Kaduna State government for working together to secure the release of the school children.
President Tinubu also welcomes the release of pupils of Tsangaya school in Sokoto State, commending all the parties for their efforts.
The President assured Nigerians that his administration is deploying detailed strategies to ensure that schools in the country remain safe for learning.
Find below more photos of the released school children.
