By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Former Commandant Defence Intelligence College, Abuja Cdre. Kunle Olawunmi Rtd, has revealed that ransom was paid to secure the release of the schoolchildren of the LEA Government Primary School, Kuriga Kaduna State.
The retired Commodore who stated this when he appeared at the Arise TV Morning Show, added that none of the current 36 State Governors in Nigeria, apart from Governor Zulum understands their role as governor, stressing that they don’t know why they are the Chief Security Officer of a state.
The ex-Commandant challenged the FG to take him on the fact that ransom was paid to secure the release of schoolchildren.
He said: “No governor in Nigeria apart from Zulum understands their role as governor, they don’t know why they are the Chief Security Officer of a state. FG should take me on the fact that ransom was paid to secure the release of schoolchildren
Cdre. Kunle Olawunmi Rtd, Former Commandant Defence Intelligence College, Abuja
Sundiata Post recalls that on March 7, 2024, the schoolchildren from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, Kuriga, were abducted by the hoodlums who took them into the forest.
The abductors demanded N1bn for their release while giving a deadline of March 27, 2024, for the payment of the ransom.
On Sunday, 24th March, (3 days before the deadline), the Kaduna State Government announced the release of the 287 schoolchildren kidnapped from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the state governor, Senator Uba Sani.
The statement partly read, “I wish to announce that our Kuriga school children have been released.
“Our special appreciation goes to our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for prioritising the safety and security of Nigerians and particularly ensuring that the abducted Kuriga school children are released unharmed. While the school children were in captivity, I spoke with Mr. President several times. He shared our pains, comforted us, and worked round the clock with us to ensure the safe return of the children.”
The governor also appreciated the courage of the officers of the Nigerian Army for seeing to the successful release of the schoolchildren.
He said, “The Nigerian Army also deserves special commendation for showing that with courage, determination and commitment, criminal elements can be degraded and security restored in our communities.
“We also thank all Nigerians who prayed fervently for the safe return of the school children. This is indeed a day of joy. We give Almighty Allah all the glory.”
