The Federal Government is set to train newly recruited personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps across 36 states and the FCT as the School Safety Protection Squad to counter schoolchildren abductions.
Hammed Abodunrin, Commander of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre of the NSCDC, revealed this plan in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday. This development comes as troops rescued 137 abducted pupils from the LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School Kuriga in Kaduna.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo commended Governor Alex Otti of Abia State for repealing the pension law for ex-governors and deputies, urging other governors to follow suit.
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the release of the Kuriga schoolchildren and pupils of a Tsangaya school in Sokoto State, praising all parties involved for their efforts.
While the Defence Headquarters announced the rescue of 137 Kaduna schoolchildren, Governor Uba Sani stated that 137 pupils were abducted, though clarification on the remaining victims was not provided.
Troops rescued the abducted pupils with support from local authorities, yet details on the fate of the remaining children remain unclear. Efforts to reach the Defence Headquarters for further clarification were unsuccessful.
Governor Uba Sani announced the release of the Kuriga schoolchildren, acknowledging President Tinubu, the NSA, and the Nigerian Army for their roles in securing the children’s freedom.
The news of the release of the Kuriga schoolchildren was met with relief and joy, with parents eagerly awaiting their return. However, the fate of the teacher abducted alongside the pupils remains tragic, as the teacher reportedly died in captivity.
The Northern Elders Forum rejoiced at the safe return of the abducted Kuriga schoolchildren, emphasizing the need for improved security measures and proper medical care for the children.
Presidential candidates Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar expressed relief at the release of the schoolchildren, calling for proactive measures to address the nation’s security challenges and prioritize the protection of schools.
The IGP Special Intervention Squad arrived in Kaduna to bolster security efforts, fulfilling the promise made by IGP Kayode Egbetokun during his visit to the state after the Kuriga schoolchildren’s abduction.
Source : Punch Newspaper
