Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, has confirmed the escape of eight secondary school girls abducted by terrorists.
Aruwan who disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday said, the students, according to preliminary briefings, escaped from a thick forest around the Kaduna – Niger interstate boundaries.
The Commissioner said the students walked for days before arriving at a location where they were harboured before human intelligence sources subsequently alerted the Kaduna State Government for immediate evacuation.
According to Aruwan: “Governor Nasir El-Rufai on receipt of the intelligence directed the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to liaise with the 1 Division Nigerian Army for urgent evacuation of the students to Kaduna Metropolis, as it was credibly gathered that the terrorists were combing forests in the area to recapture the students.
The students have been safely evacuated to a military facility where they are presently receiving medical attention.
“Meanwhile, Governor El-Rufai has expressed his delight over the development, and has praised the students for demonstrating sheer courage and resilience in making their escape from captivity.
“The Governor admonished them to view the horrific experience as a turning point, and pursue their education with renewed vigour for a purposeful future.
“The Governor also commended the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Major General O.T. Akinjobi for the prompt evacuation and the ongoing medicals being conducted on the students.’’