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Kaduna Abductions: Federal Government Plans School Safety Corps As 137 Pupils Regain Freedom

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In order to stop incidents of schoolchild abduction, the Federal Government has completed plans to train a number of recently hired members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as the School Safety Protection Squad.

In an interview (with The Punch) on Sunday, Hammed Abodunrin, the Commander of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSCDC), revealed this. At the same time, the Defence Headquarters announced that troops had freed 137 kidnapped students from the Government Secondary School Kuriga and LEA Primary School in the Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna, within Zamfara State.

This came as President Bola Tinubu welcomed the news of the release of the Kuriga schoolchildren, as well as the release of pupils of a Tsangaya school in Sokoto State, commending all the parties involved in the feat for their valiant efforts.

The Defence Headquarters announced that 137 Kaduna schoolchildren were rescued but it did not explain what happened to the remaining as 287 pupils were kidnapped from the schools on March 7, 2024.

The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, in an interview on Channels Television, put the number of the abducted pupils at 137.

On March 7, 2024, there were reports that 287 pupils and teachers of LEA Primary School and the Government Secondary School Kuriga in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State were abducted by suspected terrorists who took them into the forest.

Their abductors subsequently requested a ransom of N1bn for their release, setting a deadline of March 27, 2024, for the payment.

  • Schoolchildren Rescued

But the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen, Buba, in a statement on Sunday, stated that the victims were rescued in the early hours of Sunday by the troops with support from local authorities and government agencies.

Buba put the number of the rescued victims at 137, comprising 76 females and 61 males, adding that they were rescued in Zamfara State and would be conveyed to Kaduna where they would be handed over to the state government.

The statement read, “Recall that on March 7, 2024, troops received information that terrorists had invaded LEA School Kuriga in Chikun LG of Kaduna State. During the incident, an unconfirmed number of pupils were abducted. Following the incident, the military committed to leaving no stone unturned until all the hostages were rescued.

“Accordingly, in the early hours of March 24, 2024, the military, working with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated search and rescue operation, rescued the hostages.

“The hostages are the same persons that were abducted from the school at Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.

“The rescued hostages totalling 137, comprising 76 females and 61 males, were rescued in Zamfara State and would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action.”

The rescue of the Kaduna pupils comes a day after troops rescued 16 pupils (Almajiris) with a woman taken hostage in Gada LGA of Sokoto State.

The troops have handed over the rescued victims to the Sokoto State Government.

According to Buba, the recent success of the troops was a testament to their resolve to rescue kidnapped victims across the country.

He said, “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 killings of 18 soldiers in Okuama Community in Delta State.”

  • School Protection Squad

In a related development, in a bid to address the rising kidnapping of pupils, the Federal Government said it had begun plans to create a school safety protection corps to safeguard schools across the country.

The Commander of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, NSCDC, Abodunrin, who disclosed this to one of our correspondents, said the government had also resolved to employ more security personnel and had procured equipment to bring an end to the kidnapping of students by terrorists.

The Safe School Response is an initiative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in response to increasing cases of attacks on schools by bandits.

The National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre was established by the Federal Government and saddled with the responsibility of coordinating safety and security responses against violence in schools and host communities.

Providing updates on the steps taken by the government to halt cases of abductions of pupils from schools, Abodunrin said, “The Federal Government has declared zero tolerance on kidnapping for ransoms and has resolved to empower security agencies more to prevent reoccurrence. Equipment is being procured, such as vehicles, motorcycles and ICT facilities while more personnel are being employed to tackle the challenges squarely.

“For instance, the centre will soon train some of the newly recruited personnel of NSCDC across the 36 states of the federation and FCT as the school safety protection squad. This team will be able to provide a quicker response when needed. They will work with the corps’ female squad nationwide as well as with the police and military resources where available and when required.

“These problems did not just come in a day. Solving them will follow processes but the most important thing is that actions are being taken fast.”

He also noted the corps and other paramilitary agencies had begun security education, adding that “the NSSRCC has commenced community engagement to build confidence and capacity of the members of the community.

“The centre is also collaborating with relevant stakeholders on child protection. The centre is being repositioned to improve on the deployment of technology to obtain quick information especially where there’s no network. State and local government centres are to be established by relevant authorities with timely information and quick response.”

The commander linked kidnapping to inadequate installation of closed-circuit televisions by schools and the poor use of technology.

“The most challenging issue is the lack of security culture. How many schools have identification cards for their students? How many members of staff care to know the number of pupils/students in their schools? Even when you ask some principals in the middle of the term, they will tell you they will check records.

Reacting to the release of the Kuriga schoolchildren, the Kaduna State Governor,  Sani, announced on his X handle in the early hours of Sunday that the children had regained freedom.

He praised the efforts of President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, as well as the Nigerian Army and all Nigerians for their fervent prayers.

Sani, “I wish to announce that our Kuriga schoolchildren 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 schoolchildren are released unharmed.

“While the schoolchildren 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 Mallam Ribadu fine-tuning strategies and coordinating the operations of the security agencies, which eventually resulted in this successful outcome.’’

The governor also said the teacher who was abducted alongside the Kuriga schoolchildren, in Chikun Local Area of Kaduna State, died while in captivity.

Sani, in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday’s Politics programme, said all the schoolchildren abducted by the bloodthirsty terrorists were rescued by the military.

Sani, however, said the teacher who was abducted with the pupils was sick while in custody.

He stated, “It’s only one person that has not returned and that is the teacher. That is the fact of the matter but all of the 137 children are safely back. We had the unfortunate incident that the teacher couldn’t make it because he had some complications; he was sick — that was the report we got from the military and the security agencies but the rest of the children, all of them are back with us,” he said.

  • President Tinubu Welcomes Release

This came as President Tinubu welcomed the news of the release of the Kuriga schoolchildren in Kaduna State.

He also welcomed the release of pupils of a Tsangaya school in Sokoto State, commending all the parties to the feat for their valiant effort.

Tinubu’s message was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled, ‘President Tinubu welcomes the release of Kuriga schoolchildren, says schools must be safe and secure for learning.’

The President emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Federal Government and states for expected outcomes, especially on matters of security.

“The President commends the National Security Adviser, the security agencies, and the Kaduna State Government for the dispatch and diligence with which they handled this situation, noting that incipient urgency, meticulous attention and tireless dedication are critical to optimal outcomes in cases of mass abductions,” read the statement.

The President assured Nigerians that his administration was deploying detailed strategies to ensure that “our schools remain safe sanctuaries of learning, not lairs for wanton abductions.”

The abducted Kuriga secondary and primary school pupils, Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, who regained freedom on Sunday, spent about 17 days in captivity.

It could not be ascertained if a ransom was paid for the release of the abducted students, as no government official was forthcoming to confirm if any ransom was paid and how much was paid as ransom for the release of the schoolchildren.

One of the parents of the abducted Kuriga schoolchildren, Jubril Kuriga, said a woman whose four children were among the abducted schoolchildren, died out of frustration.

Another parent, whose daughter, nine-year-old Aisha Jubril, was among the abducted children, said he could not wait to behold his daughter whom he had missed for more than two weeks.

“We are happy. It’s not easy missing them for such a long period of time,” Kuriga, who holds the traditional title of Tafidan Kuriga, said.

He said, “I have a child by the name Aisha. She was among those kidnapped too. The government called us and informed us that the children were with them. That is the true story, but we have not seen them yet.

“They promised us that by tomorrow (Monday) they will hand over the children to us. Each student or child will be handed over to the parents.

“We are feeling happy because it is not easy missing your child for this long period of time, so we need to be happy.

“With the presence of security now in our area, we are going to mount the security so that our children can go back to school.

“We are happy that we now have some security presence. We are going to use them to see that our children go back to school.”

Narrating his ordeal while Aisha was away in the hands of her captives, he said that some of the parents died out of the traumatic experience of the incident.

Kuriga, who said he could not ascertain the figures of those who died during the period, noted that the parents were simply traumatised while their children languished in the kidnapper’s den.

He said, “There is a woman whose four children were among the kidnapped pupils. She could not eat, she could not sleep. If I can even tell you, some parents were dead within the period that the children were with the kidnappers.

“I cannot tell you the number of those that died. But I believe some are dead. We were traumatised throughout the period of the absence of our children. Our children were away in the bush, with no food, no good water.”

Speaking further while addressing newsmen, Kuriga said he could not sleep since the abduction saga, noting that sometimes, he would stay awake, “crying, thinking how she is and if she had eaten or not?”

Continuing, he said “Let me tell you, sometimes 12 midnight or 1 am in the night, I would wake up, I would just be crying, thinking how is she? Has she eaten?

“I think of all that because I know if she is at home, normally before she goes to school in the morning, she would eat. They said all the children were back. That is what they said, that all of them are back, but seeing is believing.”

On whether ransom was paid for the release of the children, a reliable source who craved anonymity said nobody could rule out negotiation while asking what became of the fate of the remaining children.

He said, “Well, for now, nobody can tell you exactly what happened, whether ransom was paid or not. But we know that since when this issue started, the National Security Adviser, based on the marching order by the President, the security forces, particularly, the Army, has been on top of this situation.’’

  • NEF Demands Security

Also, the Professor Ango Abdullahi-led Northern Elders Forum has rejoiced in the safe return of the abducted Kuriga school children.

It said the news brought a ray of hope amidst a dark period for the community, noting that as elders, “we welcome the children back with open arms, but we must also emphasize the urgent need for proper medical and shock checks as they reintegrate into society.”

A statement by the NEF’s Director Publicity and Advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, on Sunday, said the school abduction was another tragic incident that highlighted the growing need for improved security measures.

On their part, presidential candidates of the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party in the February 25 election, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, respectively also expressed their excitement at the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren in Kaduna State.

Both of them made their positions known in separate messages posted on their respective X handles on Sunday.

In his statement, Obi, a former Anambra State Governor, tweeted that it was “comforting” to hear the news of the rescue, adding that efforts should be made to rescue other captives across several kidnappers’ dens in the country.

In his reaction, Abubakar said he was elated “at the news of the release of the abducted school children in Kaduna after 16 days in captivity.”

He also commended “all those who worked tirelessly to make their release a reality,” noting that “like stage four cancer,” the nation’s insecurity which is spreading, “needs proactive measures to stem it.”

He stated, “I can only imagine the trauma that these vulnerable children have suffered. It is recommended that the children receive psychotherapic care by professionals.”

The former vice president added that “we also do not need to wait for the next incident before putting mechanisms in place to forestall it.

“To this end, I recommend the strengthening of the Safe School Initiative that prioritises the protection of schools, especially in the areas that are most vulnerable to mass kidnap of school children. But above all, there should be an overhaul of the security architecture to meet the demands of the threats facing us.”

The IGP Special Intervention Squad sent in response to the insecurity in Kaduna State, arrived in the state on Sunday.

The squad comprises 200 officers and personnel. They were received by Governor Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna. The heavily armed officers and men came in with two Armoured Personnel Carriers.

IGP Egbetokun had recently during his visit to Governor Sani after the kidnap of the Kuriga schoolchildren, promised deployment of a Police Mobile Force against banditry in the state.

The governor, while receiving the squad, expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetekun, for fulfilling his promise on the deployment of the squad.

 

Credit: The Punch

BIG STORY

Tokunbo Wahab – The Steadfast Architect Of Lagos’ Water Revolution — By Babajide Fadoju

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In a city like Lagos, the hum of progress is often drowned out by the challenges of rapid urbanization, infrastructure projects can feel like distant promises rather than tangible realities. Yet, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State is steadily rewriting this narrative. One of the most transformative projects underway is the Adiyan Water Works (AWW), a bold initiative set to deliver 70 million gallons of clean, potable water daily to Lagosians. At the helm of this ambitious endeavor is Tokunbo Wahab, the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources—a man whose quiet determination and unwavering focus have become a source of hope for millions.

When Governor Sanwo-Olu recently visited the Adiyan Water Works site, it wasn’t just a routine inspection. It was a moment of affirmation—a recognition of the hard work and vision driving this project forward. As the governor walked through the site, the air buzzed with excitement, not just for the technical milestones achieved, but for what this project represents: a future where clean water is no longer a luxury but a given. For Tokunbo Wahab, this visit was a validation of his tireless efforts to turn a lofty vision into a reality that will touch the lives of everyday Lagosians.

The commissioner’s role in this project is nothing short of pivotal. Steering a project of this magnitude in a city as complex as Lagos is no small feat. Yet, under his watchful eye , the Adiyan Water Works has reached an impressive 80% completion rate. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a testament to Wahab’s ability to navigate bureaucratic hurdles, logistical challenges, and the occasional skepticism that comes with large-scale infrastructure projects. His approach is not just about meeting deadlines; it’s about ensuring that every drop of water delivered will make a difference in the lives of Lagosians.

What sets Wahab apart is his deep understanding of what this project means for the people of Lagos. For him, it’s not just about pipes, pumps, and gallons per day. It’s about the mother who won’t have to walk miles to fetch water for her family. It’s about the child who can focus on school instead of worrying about waterborne diseases. It’s about the small business owner who can thrive with a reliable water supply. Wahab’s work is rooted in the belief that access to clean water is a fundamental right, and his actions reflect a commitment to making that right a reality for all.

The trust Governor Sanwo-Olu places in Wahab is evident. Their partnership is a rare example of how political leadership and administrative execution can come together to achieve something extraordinary. The governor’s frequent visits to the site and his public support for the project are not just gestures of goodwill; they are a recognition of Wahab’s ability to deliver on promises. In a political climate often marred by mistrust and unmet expectations, this synergy is a breath of fresh air.

But the Adiyan Water Works project is more than just an infrastructure upgrade. It’s a symbol of hope and progress for a city that has long grappled with water scarcity. When completed, it will not only improve public health but also boost local economies, create jobs, and attract investments. For communities that have endured years of unreliable water services, this project is a lifeline—a promise of dignity and a better quality of life.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Large-scale projects like this require more than just technical expertise; they demand empathy and a deep connection to the communities they serve. Wahab has been mindful of this every step of the way. From ensuring fair compensation for affected residents to collaborating with neighboring states like Ogun, his approach has been inclusive and thoughtful. He understands that true progress is not just about building infrastructure but about building trust and fostering collaboration.

Critics may argue that such projects are fraught with complexities, and they’re not wrong. But Wahab’s track record shows that with determination, transparency, and a clear vision, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. His work on the Adiyan Water Works is a shining example of what public service should be—a commitment to the greater good, even when the road is tough.

As Lagos continues to grow and evolve, the importance of reliable infrastructure cannot be overstated. Clean water is the foundation of health, education, and economic prosperity. The Adiyan Water Works project, under Wahab’s stewardship, is poised to become a cornerstone of Lagos’ transformation. And as the city eagerly awaits the day when clean water flows freely into every home, it’s clear that leaders like Tokunbo Wahab are the driving force behind this progress.

In the end, the success of the Adiyan Water Works will be more than just a technical achievement. It will be a story of hope, resilience, and the power of dedicated leadership. Tokunbo Wahab’s work is a reminder that even in the face of immense challenges, change is possible when leaders put people first. As the water begins to flow, so too will the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future for Lagos—a future built on the foundation of clean water and unwavering commitment.

Let the water flow, and with it, let the promise of progress and prosperity flow for all Lagosians.

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BIG STORY

Lagos House Of Assembly Call For Action Against Open Defecation, Laud Environment Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab

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The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to rigorously enforce environmental laws against “open defecation” and ensure the widespread availability of free public toilets across the state.

The lawmakers stressed the need for a broad and ongoing awareness campaign to educate residents about the dangers of “open defecation.” Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, condemned the practice, emphasizing the urgent need for better sanitation infrastructure.

The House also praised the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, calling him a “pride of the state.”

Raising the matter under “Urgent Public Importance,” Hon. Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi-Isolo 1) warned that “open defecation” tarnishes Lagos’ reputation and obstructs sustainable development.

Hon. Bonu Solomon (Badagry 1) called for the arrest of homeless individuals contributing to the sanitation crisis, urging local government chairmen to assist the state in maintaining cleanliness.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 1) proposed the introduction of affordable public toilets, while Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) urged the creation of clear policies regarding the management of public sanitation facilities.

Hon. Aro Moshood (Ikorodu 2) connected waste accumulation to “open defecation,” underscoring the need for stricter waste management, particularly in market areas like Mile 12.

The Assembly resolved to ramp up public awareness campaigns and collaborate with private companies to fund sanitation initiatives across Lagos.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Nollywood Star, Kenneth Okonkwo Resigns From Labour Party

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Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has announced his resignation from the party.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Okonkwo stated that his resignation will take effect from February 25, 2025, after which he will be free to join other like-minded Nigerians in shaping the country’s future.

He explained that his involvement in politics was driven by a desire for good governance, and he will continue working towards this goal.

Okonkwo expressed his gratitude to Nigerians who supported the party during its time of need and pledged his loyalty to the Nigerian people. He also mentioned that the Labour Party, in its current state, is non-existent, which led to his decision to resign.

His statement reads:

11th February, 2025

To all Nigerians of Goodwill,

RESIGNATION FROM LABOUR PARTY

I sincerely thank all Nigerians of goodwill for their immense support during the 2023 presidential election, where Nigerians believed in our message for a new Nigeria and voted for us across ethnic and religious lines. We were the only party that achieved 25% support in all six Geo-Political Zones and the Federal Capital Territory. I believe that we won the election under the Labour Party with your support but were denied victory due to a technical glitch.

2. By February 25, 2025, it will be two years since the 2023 presidential election, and two years before the next presidential election. It is a global democratic convention that political consultations, alignments, and re-alignments begin two years before the next election. Unfortunately, the Labour Party, as it is currently structured, cannot be part of the political force that will shape Nigeria’s political future.

3. To avoid any confusion, the Labour Party as it stands is non-existent. According to the Labour Party Constitution, the tenure of ward, local government, and state party executives is three years (see Article 15(2)(3)(4) of the Labour Party Constitution). Since no congresses have been held at these levels within the constitutionally allowed tenure, their leaderships have effectively expired.

4. The former National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, and his National Working Committee, having not conducted any legally recognized national convention, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the courts, the leadership issue within the Labour Party remains an internal matter that the courts cannot intervene in, leaving the party without effective national leadership.

5. The Caretaker Committee, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, which was lawfully set up by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party after the INEC’s non-recognition of the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC), was given six months to conduct congresses and a convention. This was the only viable option to salvage the Labour Party.

6. Unfortunately, Abure and his allies, in collaboration with external forces, have waged unnecessary legal challenges against this Caretaker Committee, preventing it from functioning. More than six months after the Committee’s inauguration, it has not even started, leading many to believe that the objective of these politicians and their collaborators is to bog down the serious members of the Labour Party with frivolous lawsuits until the 2027 election is over. It’s curious that a national executive whose members are defecting daily to other parties, and who cannot fight legal battles to recover these seats, is waging intense legal battles to maintain their destructive grip on the party.

7. It’s clear that Abure is more concerned with his own interests than with the survival of the Labour Party. If he were genuinely interested in fielding a southern candidate for the 2027 presidential election, he would have ceded the position of national chairman to the North, as is the convention when a party aims to field a southern presidential candidate. This was a suggestion from those of us genuinely interested in the party’s survival. While Nigerians, especially in the North, may have overlooked the combination of a southern national chairman and presidential candidate in 2023, they will not overlook it in 2027, having had time to prepare.

8. By not doing this, it’s obvious that Abure and his colleagues want to use some southern presidential candidates as cash cows, generating money for them without any intention of making the party competitive in 2027. This confirms the belief that they are secretly working for the ruling party’s victory. I pity any southern presidential candidate who still believes there’s a future in an Abure-led Labour Party, as they are clearly unaware of Nigeria’s current political realities.

9. I have never been deceitful or betrayed any cause I’ve fought for. My entry into politics was driven by the desire for good governance, and I will continue working for it to ensure that Nigeria becomes a great country led by incorruptible leaders. However, this can no longer be achieved within the current Labour Party, which, as presently constituted, is non-existent. Therefore, I am forced to resign from the party and thank all Nigerians of goodwill who supported us when we needed them most. I pledge my continued loyalty to the Nigerian people, regardless of the political path I choose to follow.

10. This resignation takes effect on February 25, 2025, marking the second anniversary of the 2023 presidential election. After this date, I will be free to join other well-meaning, like-minded Nigerians in shaping a brighter future for our country through good governance.

 

Thank you, and God bless.

Yours sincerely,

Kenneth Okonkwo

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