By Joy Odor
The Nigerian military has reduced the abducted hostages from Kuriga school in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State and 16 pupils (Almajiris) with a woman taken hostage in Gada LGA of Sokoto State.
According to Major General Edward Buba, the Director Defence Media Operations (DDMO) in a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, the rescued hostages totalling 137 comprise of 76 females and 61 male.
He informed that they were rescued in Zamfara State and would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action.
Recalled that on 7 March 2024, troops received information that terrorists had invaded LEA School Kuriga in Chikun LG of Kaduna State.
“During the incident unconfirmed number of pupils were abducted.
“Following the incident, the military committed to leaving no stone unturned until all the hostages were rescued.
“Accordingly, in the early hours of 24 March 2024, the military working with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated search and rescue operation rescued the hostages.
“Relatedly, it would be recalled that on 21 Mar 24, troops equally rescued. These hostages were handed over to the Sokoto State Government.
“Troops are employing similar effort to trackdown the culprits responsible for the killings of 18 soldiers in Okuama Community in Delta State. Justice await the culprits, as they can not go unpunished.
The DDMO maintained that the military efforts demonstrate the armed forces resolve to finding other innocent hostages and track down the terrorists that perpetrated these crimes.
The military assured that these efforts would continue until other hostages are found and the terrorists arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law.
