Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has pledged to provide free schooling for the released 137 students from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School.
Sani mentioned that the school and the Kuriga community will be refurbished, all supported by the Uba Sani Foundation.
The governor made this statement while addressing the children at the Government House, Kaduna, before their journey to Kuriga on Thursday.
Sani mentioned that following the children's release, the state government enlisted psychologists who conducted multiple sessions with doctors and nurses, offering counseling and therapy.
He pointed out that one of the abducted teachers named Mallam Abubakar lost his life due to some complications while in captivity.
Regarding this, Sani stated that the state government would sponsor the children of the deceased teacher through school, and also provide a financial support of N10 million to his (Abubakar’s) family.
Sani stated, “Yesterday, the parents came here, met the children, and everyone was happy. I would like to give credit to the children who have since been handed over to the Kaduna State Government. They were very patient with us. They also understand the situation they found themselves in.
“When they came back, we realised that some of their situations were serious mentally. That was why we decided to engage the services of psychologists, and they went through a lot of sessions with doctors and nurses, counselling and therapy. I am happy that all the children here are extremely happy and in high spirits.
“When we met two days ago, they told me they did not want to go back home and that they wanted to stay with me for the next two weeks. But I told them it was not possible and that they had to go home. Their parents are missing them after about 17 days since they last saw them.
“They will go home by the grace of God today. And I want to say here today that all the 137, like I promised them; will be my students by the grace of God. I have already directed the Uba Sani Foundation, which has been in existence for the past 16 years, delivering free education and healthcare to look after them.”
The governor added, “I have also directed, that a lot of renovation be put in place in the community and the schools because to me, Kuriga community is one of the most peaceful communities in Kaduna State.
“All the children are back safely, but we lost only one teacher, and may his soul rest in peace. Mallam Abubakar was a good man, and his children missed him. We all miss him. He was one of the most resourceful teachers in the school, but we lost him.
“The Kaduna State Government will be supporting the children of Mallam Abubakar through school. We will also be supporting the family with N10m because of what they went through. Mallam Abubakar died due to some medical conditions he had. May his soul rest in peace.”
The Federal Government, on Monday, said no ransom was paid for the release of the pupils.
“In keeping with the commitment of Mr. President, no ransom was paid,” the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told journalists after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
On March 7, 2024, the schoolkids were abducted by criminals who took them into the woods.
After that, the kidnappers demanded demanded N1bn for their release while setting a deadline of March 27, 2024, for the payment of the ransom.
On Sunday, March 24, the students were rescued by the military in cooperation with local authorities from neighboring Zamfara State.
