26 Mar 2024 | 12:39 PM UTC
Nigeria: As of March 26, officials confirm release of 137 children following mass kidnapping in Kaduna State March 7 /update 2
As of March 26, officials confirm release of 137 children following March 7 mass kidnapping in Kaduna State.
As of March 26, authorities have confirmed the release of 137 children previously abducted during a mass kidnapping in Kaduna State on March 7. A group of unidentified gunmen entered the Kuriga locality in Kaduna State's Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) and abducted dozens of students and staff from the LEA Primary School on the morning of March 7. An estimated 300 people were abducted. There have been ransom demands reportedly up to one billion naira. It is unclear how many children remain captives. Armed criminals are likely responsible.
Search operations are ongoing across the state, particularly in nearby forest areas, to release remaining victims. Security forces may establish roadblocks, checkpoints, and search vehicles. Residents may assemble to protest insecurity.
Exercise a high degree of caution if operating in Kaduna State. Heed the instructions of local security personnel; remain courteous and cooperative if stopped and questioned by law enforcement officers. Maintain regular contact with your home country's diplomatic mission; travel only in convoys during daylight hours.
In recent years, officials in the northwest have implemented various business and movement restrictions, including in Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, and Zamfara states, in an attempt to curtail banditry and other criminal activity. Besides bandits, militant groups such as Boko Haram or affiliated with the Islamic State or Al-Qaeda, may be responsible.
