By; FUNMI ADERINTO, Kaduna
Governor Nasir el-Rufai has hailed eight female students of Government Secondary School Awon, who were kidnapped by terrorists on Monday April 3, 2023 in the Awon general area of Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State for escaping from the terrorists’ den.
The students, according to preliminary briefings, escaped from a thick forest around the Kaduna – Niger interstate boundaries, and walked for days before arriving at a location (kept undisclosed for security reasons) where they were harboured.
Human intelligence sources subsequently alerted the Kaduna State Government for immediate evacuation.
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 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.
A statement signed by the Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan yesterday, said, the students have been safely evacuated to a military facility where they are presently receiving medical attention.
Meanwhile, Governor el-Rufai has expressed delight over the development and has praised the students for demonstrating sheer courage and resilience in making their escape from captivity.
The governor admonished them to view the horrific experience as a turning point, and pursue their education with renewed vigour for a purposeful future.
He also commended the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Major General O.T. Akinjobi for the prompt evacuation and the ongoing medicals being conducted on the students.
