09 Mar 2024 | 02:40 PM UTC
Nigeria: As of March 9, at least 28 children escaped following mass kidnapping in Kaduna State March 7 /update 1
As of March 9, officials confirm that 28 children escaped following March 7 mass kidnapping in Kaduna State.
As of March 9, officials announced that at least 28 children have escaped captivity following 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. There are conflicting reports on the number of persons who were kidnapped, estimated at around 300 individuals, mostly children. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident, and no ransom demands have been reported.
Search operations are ongoing across the state, particularly in nearby forest areas, to apprehend the kidnappers and rescue the 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, and particularly near the Chikun LGA as authorities respond to the kidnapping incident. 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.
