• President cancels own 72nd birthday celebration
• Jubilation in Kaduna as kidnapped pupils regain freedom
• HURIWA warns against normalisation of mass abductions
• How Kuriga students were rescued, by DHQ
• Investment in agriculture panacea to insecurity, poverty, says Obi
• Police special squad deployed by IGP arrive Kaduna
• Terrorists kill two, abduct victim’s wife, daughters in Katsina

The Northern Elders Forum, yesterday, came hard on President Bola Tinubu, saying the growing insecurity across the country indicates that the current government has failed to protect Nigerians.

While declaring that enough is enough, the Forum said the Kuriga abduction was another tragic incident that highlights the growing need for improved security.

Spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, in a statement, said though the Forum welcomed the abducted children back with open arms, it “firmly declares that enough is enough. The safety and security of our children should never be compromised or subjected to negotiation. It is unacceptable for Nigerians, particularly those in the northern region, to continue living under such insecure conditions.”

It said: “Unfortunately, just months into the Tinubu administration, there have already been clear signs of failure in providing the vital aspects of security of life and property to citizens. This situation is deeply concerning and requires immediate attention from our leaders.

“While we celebrate the return of the abducted Kuriga school children, we must also recognise this event as a wake-up call for all of us. We cannot afford to become complacent in the face of such acts of violence and disregard for human life. As elders, it is our duty to protect and nurture the next generation.”

The Forum added: “The safety and well-being of our children must always be a top priority. We also call for accountability and swift action from our leaders to address the security challenges our communities are facing.

“The return of the Kuriga school children stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of our community. Let us use this moment to unite and actively work towards safer conditions for our children and our communities.”
THIS came as President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, cancelled all forms of celebrations for his 72nd birthday.

He cited the prevailing mood in the country, economically and security-wise, particularly, the recent killing of personnel of the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force in Delta State.

He said: “Because of the current mood of the nation and recent killing of the officers and men of our Army and Police in Delta State and recent spate of security breaches by criminal elements in different parts of Nigeria, there should be no form of birthday event and placing of birthday goodwill advertorial messages in newspapers. Goodwill messages should not be placed on radio and television stations too.”

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu will clock 72 years on Friday, March 29.

The President advised associates and well-wishers who plan to celebrate with him on the day to channel their donations to charity organisations.

Specifically, Tinubu directed a ban on any form of advertorial in newspapers, radio or television stations, saying he would want to use the day to reflect and rededicate himself to the task of building a more stable, more secure, virile, prosperous and united Nigeria.

Meanwhile, people across the country, especially in Kaduna State, heaved a sigh of relief yesterday, following news that dozens of students who were kidnapped in Kaduna recently had been freed.

Governor Sani, who made an announcement confirming the development late, on Saturday night, said: “In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Most Merciful, 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.

“Special mention must also be made of our dear brother, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for his exemplary leadership. I spent sleepless nights with Malam Ribadu fine-tuning strategies and coordinating the operations of the security agencies, which eventually resulted in this successful outcome.

“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.”

There was no disclosure whether any ransom was paid to the abductors before the release.

Several people were seen on the streets of Kaduna discussing the matter. At Jos Road, one Mallam Abdullahi Jabi said: “We are all happy that the children have finally gained their freedom. We thank the government for their efforts in making sure they are released from the hands of the bandits.”

He added: “Whether the government paid ransom or they used the military to free the students, all that matters is that they are finally released.”

Also, at Romi Market in Chikun Local Council, one Mazi Igwe, a foodstuff seller, told The Guardian: “It is a good thing that we are waking up to hear news about the release of the kidnapped students.

“But what surprised some of us was how the bandits could have moved with 287 students in the morning hours without being noticed on the road or in vehicles.

“We commend the efforts of the government. So, the children were brought back from the bandits’ captivity in buses. How many buses? We need answers, please.”

One Shehu Muhammad, a Jos-based businessman, who is from Kaduna State, said he was very happy when he heard that the abducted children had been rescued.

He said he was exceptionally happy because his uncle’s son was one of the affected.

Muhammad, who did not disclose his uncle’s name, said that he would travel to Kaduna today to celebrate the release.

Reacting, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday, cautioned the Federal Government against allowing mass abductions to thrive, saying the phenomenon could inevitably suggest that Nigeria is a failed state.

In a statement by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA regretted that both the Federal Government and the Kaduna State government have failed to provide safety for pupils and students of higher institutions who have been the subject of abductions by terrorists and armed bandits.

The group asked the government to ensure that those involved in the planning and execution of mass abductions in Kaduna State are arrested and brought to justice.

It said the persistent failure of the government to arrest suspected terrorists responsible for the kidnap of school children has continued to fuel its proliferation.

HURIWA said: “We have meticulously read and digested the statement issued by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, a media aide to President Bola Tinubu, who said in a Facebook post that “all the 137 abducted school children” were freed, and we were wondering what kind of freedom was secured for these innocent children that were left in the hands of their tormentors for many days by both the Federal Government and the Kaduna State government.

“We were also very sad to note the deep-seated emotional trauma and apprehension in the faces of these innocent victims of this insane mass abduction in Kaduna State.

“This is not a time for celebration but a time for soul searching by those who are in public offices and can’t put strategic decision-making in action to put to an end the incessant mass abductions of school pupils in parts of Northern Nigeria.

“Why are these terrorists targeting innocent school children and why have governments failed repeatedly to protect school children from being abducted and dehumanised? What about the pupil who was killed as the mass abduction was happening?”

It added: “To even notice that these politicians are celebrating the release of these innocent children from the hands of their tormentors, after several weeks, is such a pathetic scene, which demonstrates the poverty of honour among government officials in contemporary times.

“We call on the Kaduna State government to ensure that these innocent children are taken through post-traumatic psychological healing periods and for adequate medical examination at public costs.”

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the abducted Kuriga students were rescued through coordinated search and rescue operation conducted by the military, in collaboration with local authorities and government agencies.

The primary and secondary school students abducted on March 7 were rescued in the early hours of Sunday.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.

He said a total of 137 persons, comprising 76 females and 61 males, were rescued in Zamfara.

According to him, they would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action.

He added: “These efforts demonstrate the armed forces’ resolve to find other innocent hostages and track down the terrorists that perpetrated these crimes. These efforts would continue until other hostages are found and the terrorists arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law.

“Troops are employing similar efforts to track down the culprits responsible for the killing of 18 soldiers in Okuama community in Delta State.
Also, a 200-man special intervention squad deployed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to combat insecurity arrived in Kaduna State yesterday.

While receiving them at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Governor Uba Sani expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police Mr Kayode Egbetekun for fulfilling his promise on the deployment of the Squad.

Sani also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, particularly President Bola Ahmad Tinubu and the security agencies, for the successful rescue of the children.

Recall that the IGP had, during a visit to the state after the kidnap of the children, hinted at deploying a special mobile force to tackle insecurity in the state.

The squad, armed with Armoured Personnel Carriers and other sophisticated weapons, is expected to be deployed to hotspots like Birnin Gwari, Chikun, and Kajuru.

This was as the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has said improved investment in agriculture will address problems of insecurity, poverty, inflation, and food insecurity in the country.

Obi stated this when he visited Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi, in Birnin Kebbi, yesterday.
Describing agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, Obi stressed that adequate funding of the sector would turn the economic fortune of the country around.

He said: “Nigeria has the largest uncultivated land in the world, most of which is located in the northern part of the country. With effective agricultural production, the sector has the capability to take millions of Nigerians out of poverty and address the problems of insecurity in the country.

“In addition, agriculture is the basic foundation for attaining food security, eliminating hunger and also serves as foreign exchange earner to stabilise the economy. We have no other country but Nigeria; we must, therefore, create a better place for our children.”

Relatedly, gunmen killed two people and injured several others at Mairuwa community in Faskari Local Council of Katsina State.
The incident occurred late Sunday evening as Muslim faithful held Ramadan prayers in a mosque.

Among those killed was a prominent businessman, politician, and large-scale farmer, Lado Mairuwa.

The attackers were also said to have abducted his wife and two daughters.

They also killed a staff identified simply as Sani, who works at the Mairuwa healthcare centre.

According to a source, the late Mairuwa is believed to have been the main target of the assailants.

The source said when they stormed the mosque, they ordered the deceased to follow them, with the intention to abduct him, but he declined. He said Mairuwa’s refusal prompted them to open fire on worshippers, killing him and Sani.

He added that several people sustained injuries.