Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has visited Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area, where bandits kidnapped primary and secondary school pupils and students.
The governor said his visit was to commiserate with members of the community and assure them that all steps are being taken to ensure the safe return of the pupils and students.
He said 187 students had gone missing from the Government Secondary School and 125 from the local primary school but that 25 had since returned. But 287 remain with the bandits
“With pain in my heart, I visited Kuriga, Chikun Local Government, where bandits kidnapped primary and secondary school pupils and students, to commiserate with members of the community and assure them that all steps are been taken to ensure the safe return of the pupils and students.
“I was at the Palace of the District Head of Kuriga, Alhaji Lawal Abdullahi to receive full briefing on the unfortunate incident at LEA Primary and Secondary School, Kuriga.
“I also addressed members of the community who came out in large numbers to welcome us and express their grief. I learnt from members of the community that a valiant Vigilante member who confronted the bandits unfortunately lost his life.
“I have briefed Mr. President and the National Security Adviser on the Kuriga situation. I received strong assurances from them that all measures are been taken to bring back the pupils and students.
“A Security Committee will be established in Kuriga, with membership drawn from key stakeholders in Kuriga Community, Security Agencies, and the State Government.
“I will make a strong case to the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff for the establishment of a Military Base in Kuriga to strengthen security in the area.
“The unfortunate Kuriga incident reinforces our positions in support of the establishment of State Police. With State Police, there will be a standing Police Force in Kuriga drawn from members of the community who understand the terrain, the people and the issues at play. They can gather intelligence with ease. They will also be consitutionally empowered to bear arms, including sophisticated ones.
“This is important because Vigilante Groups are not allowed to carry arms. They are always at the mercy of these criminal elements who have scant regard for human life,” he said.
