Female students kidnapped in Kaduna escape from abductors — after 14 days in captivity

The eight female students abducted by gunmen on their way to school in Kachia LGA of Kaduna have reportedly escaped from their abductors.

Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday.

The students were kidnapped on April 3 and escaped from captivity after 14 days.

Aruwan said the students escaped from the forest that links Kaduna and Niger states.

“The eight female students of Government Secondary School, Awon – who were kidnapped by terrorists on Monday 3rd April 2023 in the Awon general area of Kachia LGA – have escaped from the terrorists’ den,” the statement reads.

“The students, according to preliminary briefings, 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) where they were harboured. Human intelligence sources subsequently alerted the Kaduna state government for immediate evacuation.”

He said the girl have been evacuated by the 1 division of the Nigerian army to the military facility and are currently undergoing treatment.

“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 the 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,” he said.

“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 commissioner added.

“The governor also commended the general officer commanding, 1 division, major general OT Akinjobi for the prompt evacuation and the ongoing medicals being conducted on the students.”