TheCable

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, says his foundation will provide free education to the 137 Kuriga schoolchildren recently released from the captivity of bandits.

Sani announced the scholarship on Thursday while addressing the schoolchildren at the government house in Kaduna before their departure to Kuriga.

The Kaduna governor said the abduction will not hinder academic activities in the community, adding that adequate security will be provided.

Sani said he has directed that renovation should be carried out in the schools where the students were abducted.

“I want to say here today, that all the 137, like I promised them, will be my students by the grace of God,” the governor said.

“I have already directed the Uba Sani Foundation which has been in existence for the past 16 years delivering free education and healthcare, to look after them.

“I have also directed that a lot of renovation be put in place in the community and the schools because to me, Kuriga community is one of the most peaceful communities in Kaduna state.”

Sani said the state government will support the children of the Kuriga teacher who died in captivity.

“All the children are back safely, but we lost only one teacher, and may his soul rest in peace,” he said.

“Mallam Abubakar was a good man, and his children have missed him. We all miss him. He was one of the most resourceful teachers in the school, but we lost him.

“The Kaduna State government will be supporting the children of Mallam Abubakar through school. We will also be supporting the family with N10 million because of what they went through.”

In the early hours of Sunday, Sani announced the release of the students.

They were abducted by bandits on March 7 from their schools in the Kuriga community, Chikun LGA.

Sani said all the 137 abducted students were released except the teacher who died in captivity.

After their release on Sunday, the students underwent medical and psychological examinations.