Kidnapped Kaduna female students escaped from terrorists’ den – Govt

The eight female students of Government Secondary School, Awon , who were kidnapped by terrorists on Monday, April 3, 2023, in Awon, Kachia council, have escaped.

A statement by the Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan, said the students 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).

He added that the student were harboured at the location before the residents human alerted the Kaduna State Government.

The statement added, “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.

“The students have been safely evacuated to a military facility where they are presently receiving medical attention.

“Governor El-Rufai expressed his 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.

The Governor 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.”