The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to be vigilant to end attacks on schools and the abduction of students.
The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, stated this, noting that the government could not secure every school in the country.
He, however, noted that the Federal Government has directed schools to report any security threat to the nearest security agency.
“Eternal vigilance is the price for security. Every nation is always concerned about the consciousness of its people. The Federal Government cannot secure every house. Everybody needs to be vigilant. We have passed this message to all our schools so that anywhere they are, if there is any threat, they know the nearest security agency to contact,” Nwajiuba told Punch.
Nwajiuba also claimed that almost all schools in the country were fenced. “Almost all the schools in Nigeria, whether private or owned by the Federal Government, are mostly all fenced, except maybe some state schools.
“As you may also be aware, even if you put up a fence, these people (bandits) have been known to come through gates.
“So, perimeter fencing, by themselves, are not too effective. The security consciousness is the thing. If you hear where some of them are being held, you will know that it is a question of self-consciousness and communities informing officials on time.”
Rema School Abduction
Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, said no single pupil was kidnapped from Rema Primary School, Magajin Gari Ward 2, of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.
He, however, confirmed that three teachers were kidnapped. He listed the teachers’ names as Rabiu Salisu, Umar Hassan, and Bala Adamu.
Aruwan said the bandits rode on motorcycles into the school at about 8:50 am, and also rustled cattle after invading the school.
He said: “The Kaduna State Government has called this briefing, following the attack by armed bandits at around 8:50am today Monday 15th March 2021 at Rema Primary School, Magajin Gari Ward 2, of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, and the first update given by the Kaduna State Government which stated that reports were being received of a kidnapping at the said primary school.
“At this time, the State Government has compiled and analyzed all the security reports and can confirm that there was indeed an invasion of the said school. The Government can confirm that three teachers, Rabiu Salisu, Umar Hassan, and Bala Adamu have been kidnapped.
“Pupils who had just arrived at the school to begin the day’s activities, took to their heels in the course of the commotion, as the bandits invaded the premises on motorcycles. This led to two pupils going missing, identified as Ahmad Halilu and Kabiru Yahaya.
“However, we are happy to inform you that the two missing pupils have been found. We can also confirm that no single pupil was kidnapped from the school.
“Other than the three teachers previously mentioned, no staff or pupil of the school is missing following the attack.
“Security reports have also revealed that the bandits rustled several cattle and went away with five motorcycles and other valuables.
“In summary, as it stands, three teachers of the Rema Primary School, Birnin Gwari LGA have been kidnapped, and following thorough checks, we can verify that no pupil was kidnapped.
“The Military and other security agencies in the Birnin Gwari general area are in hot pursuit of the bandits to ensure that the three kidnapped persons are rescued safely.
Troops found two teenagers who escaped from bandits
“Similarly, troops of the Nigerian Army on patrol in the Faka general area of Chikun Local Government Area rescued a young boy wandering in the Faka Forest.
“The boy, identified as Adewale Rasaq, was kidnapped over a week ago in the Kudenden area of Chikun Local Government, and escaped from his captors while his parents were negotiating the payment of a ransom of about 15 Million Naira to the bandits.
“Furthermore, troops of the Nigerian Army while on aggressive fighting patrol in a forest around Kachia and Kauru Local Government Areas found a girl, Fatima Lawal, who also escaped from bandits.
“According to her statement, she was kidnapped about three weeks ago at Randa village, in Kadage general area of Kauru Local Government.
“These two persons will be handed over to their families through the Chairmen of Chikun and Kauru Local Government Areas respectively.
Efforts for release of abducted students ongoing – Commissioner
“Overall, the Kaduna State Government is sustaining collaborative efforts towards tracking down the criminals and retrieving their hostages. The Governor is actively engaging critical stakeholders towards the speedy achievement of this objective.
“Citizens are encouraged to assist the efforts of the Government by volunteering useful information to the Kaduna State Security Operations Room, on 09034000060 and 08170189999.”
