In a daring escape from their captors, eight female students who were kidnapped from Government Secondary School, Awon, in Kachia local government area of Kaduna State have successfully escaped from the terrorists’ camp. This incident happened on Monday, April 3, 2023.
According to Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, the students escaped from a thick forest around the Kaduna-Niger interstate boundaries. They walked for days before arriving at a location which has been kept undisclosed for security reasons.
Human intelligence sources subsequently alerted the Kaduna State Government for immediate evacuation of the students. Governor Nasir El-Rufai on receipt of the intelligence directed the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to liaise with the 1 Division, Nigerian Army for the urgent evacuation of the students to Kaduna metropolis.
Upon their rescue, the students were safely evacuated to a military facility where they are currently receiving medical attention. Governor El-Rufai has expressed his delight over the development, and praised the students for demonstrating sheer courage and resilience in making their escape from captivity.
It was credibly gathered that the terrorists were combing forests in the area to recapture the students. Governor El-Rufai has therefore commended the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Major General OT Akinjobi for the prompt evacuation and the ongoing medicals being conducted on the students.
This incident highlights the increasing cases of kidnapping and banditry in northern Nigeria. Governor El-Rufai admonished the students to view the horrific experience as a turning point and pursue their education with renewed vigour for a purposeful future.
The successful escape of the students gives hope to the many other victims of terrorism and kidnappings in Nigeria. The government and security agencies are urged to intensify efforts towards the total eradication of these criminal activities in the country