Eko Hot Blog reports that The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), led by Prof. Ango Abdullahi, voiced dissatisfaction on Saturday regarding the kidnapping of over 287 students and educators from Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School in Kuriga 1, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State by bandits.
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It was reported that at about 8:30 am on Thursday, bandits raided LEA Primary Kuriga right after the morning assembly, abducting both students and staff from the school.
The statement partly read, “This incident, where over 200 students and teachers were kidnapped from LEA Primary school, further underscores the fragile state of security in the nation.”
They lamented the fact that the abduction of schoolchildren has now become a common occurrence in Northern Nigeria, posing a serious threat to education in the region.
The statement added, “This reprehensible act not only violates the fundamental rights of these innocent children to education but also instils fear and anxiety among parents and educators.
“The recent wave of school abductions, where innocent children are being taken from their schools, is particularly distressing. These incidents not only traumatise the victims and their families but also undermine the educational system and the future of the nation.”
The forum highlighted the importance of a joint endeavor involving the government, security agencies, and local communities to safeguard the safety and security of all Nigerians.
“It is clear that the current security situation is a matter of grave concern, and all stakeholders must work together to find lasting solutions to these challenges”, NEF said.
The NEF also highlighted the broader implications of such acts of violence on the fabric of Nigerian society
The NEF warned that the state of lawlessness is unacceptable and called for urgent action to restore security and peace in the affected areas.
“This condemnation should serve as a clarion call for the government and security agencies to take proactive measures to protect schools, communities, and vulnerable populations in the North.
“It is imperative that all necessary resources and strategies are deployed to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and teachers and to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
“The government must see this as a strong stance reflecting the collective outrage and concern of Nigerians over the deteriorating security situation in the country.
“The government must prioritise the safety and wellbeing of its citizens and take decisive action to combat insecurity and safeguard the future of the next generation.
“Education is a fundamental right that must be protected at all costs, and any threat to it must be met with unwavering resolve and determination.
“May the abducted students and teachers be safely reunited with their families, and may justice be served on those responsible for this heinous crime”, they said.
It was learnt that due to security concerns in the area, the secondary school was moved to the primary school. The State Governor Uba Sani has reassured residents that efforts are underway to safely rescue the abducted pupils.
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Similarly, the NEF expressed sadness over the deteriorating security situation in the nation, emphasizing the alarming rise in school abductions.
According to the northern elders, the recent assault and widespread abductions in Kuriga village, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as highlighted by northern elders, underscore the serious security challenges confronting Northern Nigeria.
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