Avellon Williams
NIGERIA- In the early hours of Monday, April 3, 2023, eight female students from Government Secondary School, Awon, Kachia Local Council, Kaduna State, who were kidnapped by terrorists on their way home from school, escaped from their captors.
According to preliminary briefings, the students escaped from a thick forest around the Kaduna/Niger border, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed on Tuesday.
According to the commissioner, the students walked for days before arriving at a location where they were sheltered until the state government was informed that immediate evacuation was necessary.
Aruwan said: “Governor Nasir el-Rufai, on receipt of the intelligence, directed the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to liaise with the One Division of the Nigerian Army for urgent evacuation of the students to Kaduna Metropolis, as it was credibly gathered that the terrorists were combing forests in the area to recapture the students. The students have been safely evacuated to a military facility where they are receiving medical attention.”
According to reports, the governor expressed delight over the development and congratulated the students for demonstrating such courage and resiliency in escaping from captivity.
He added: “The governor admonished them to view the horrific experience as a turning point, and pursue their education with renewed vigour for a purposeful future.”
In his remarks, he commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC), One Division, Maj-Gen. Olufemi Akinjobi, for the prompt evacuation and treatment of the students.
