Mustapha Abubakar, one of the kidnapped pupils from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, who managed to escape, has shared his harrowing ordeal at the hands of his abductors.
According to a report by BBC Hausa Service published online on Monday, March 11, 2024, Abubakar described how the kidnappers treated them like a herd of cows grazing in the bush.
The incident occurred after over 280 pupils and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA primary school at Kuriga, Kaduna State, were abducted by bandits on Thursday, March 7, 2024. The bandits reportedly invaded the Kuriga area, shooting at their victims before abducting the pupils and teachers from both schools.
Abubakar recounted his escape, stating that he managed to hide in the bush while the bandits were transporting them into the forest on foot.
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He described the treacherous journey, mentioning how they endured thirst and exhaustion as they traversed the bush. Some of the girls became weak, and the bandits had to transport them on motorcycles.
The ordeal continued until they reached a river, where they drank water before trekking further.
Abubakar mentioned that the bandits themselves were fatigued and resorted to eating grass and rope in the forest, offering nothing to the captives.
During the trek, Abubakar seized an opportunity to hide in the bush, waiting until it was safe to emerge. He encountered an elderly man who helped him find his way to safety.
Eventually, Abubakar reached Gayan, a community where he finally escaped.
Meanwhile, Senator Uba Sani, along with senior government officials and heads of security agencies, visited the scene of the attack, assuring the community that efforts were underway to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils.
Governor El-Rufai also engaged the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and deployed security operatives in search of the abducted pupils.
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