By Damilare Adeleye
The Kaduna State Government has said no ransom was paid for the freedom of the 137 schoolchildren abducted from the Kuriga primary and secondary school in Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) in Kaduna State.
Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, disclosed the information while briefing the press at the State House on Monday.
“As promised by Mr. President, they have been rescued. No ransom was paid,” Idris said.
The school children abducted on March 7 were announced to have been released by the Kaduna State government on March 24, following the collaboration of the military and local security agencies in Zamfara State where the captors held them hostage.
“The president has also charged security agencies to make sure kidnappings are brought to a halt, and all the perpetrators of kidnapping will be fished out and punished,” Idris said.
The minister commended the National Security Adviser (NSA) and service chiefs for the role they played in securing the release of the schoolchildren.