Kaduna Gov Sani grants scholarships to 137 rescued schoolchildren

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has offered free education to the 137 schoolchildren from the LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School recently rescued from bandits.

The Governor said the scholarship comes under his foundation, Uba Sani Foundation, which has been in existence for the past 16 years.

Sani also promised that the LEA primary and government secondary school in Kuriga will be renovated, in addition to providing basic infrastructure in the community.

He disclosed these while addressing the children at the state house before their departure to Kuriga on Thursday, Mar 28, 2024.

The Governor assured the pupils that the kidnapping experience would not in any way affect their education, stating that adequate security measures have been put in place in the Kuriga community to forestall a repeat of the incident.

Sani also noted that the head teacher, Mallam Abubakar, who was kidnapped alongside the children, died in captivity due to complications from medical conditions.

On this, the Governor announced an ₦10m donation to the deceased family and offered scholarships to his children up to university level.

“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,” he said.

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 schoolchildren were abducted by hoodlums on March 7, 2024, and taken to Zamfara State, where the Military eventually rescued them in collaboration with local authorities.

This was after the abductors had demanded ₦1bn for their release, but the Federal and state governments maintained that no ransom was paid to secure their freedom.