Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has awarded scholarships to the students of Kuriga Primary and Junior Secondary School, who were abducted on March 7, 2024.
The governor also donated N10 million to the family of the late head teacher of Kuriga Junior Secondary School, Abubakar Isah, who died in bandits’ den.
He was said to have died due to health complications.
The governor announced the financial donation to the family when he bid farewell to the 137 rescued school children as they left the city center to their village to meet their families on Thursday.
Governor Sani said the children were not handed over to their parents after their rescue because they were undergoing three days of psychosocial therapy at the Kaduna Women and Children Shelter.
“The late Head teacher Abubakar Isah died while in captivity because he was sick and there was no treatment, which led to his death. Kaduna State governor will donate 10 million to his family. His children too will be given education scholarships. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, amin,” he said.
Governor Uba also said the 137 rescued children are now his children, therefore, he will use his Uba Sani Foundation established 16 years ago to support their education from Primary to Secondary education level.
He explained that the Foundation has nothing to do with the Kaduna State government, as he assured the children that he and his associates are ready to help them in their choice of careers in future.
“Now, they have been given adequate psychosocial counseling and therapy. I am happy today that all the children are happy and they are in high spirits.
“Now, you are going back home to meet with your parents and other family members who are eager to see you. But, I want to assure you that all of you remain my children.
“As a result of this, I will be using Uba Sani Foundation, which has been in existence for the past 16 years, to look after the education of all the 137 of you,” he said.
Governor Uba Sani said his government will also be carrying out a lot of rehabilitation works both in the Kuriga community and the school.
He described the Kuriga community as one of the most peaceful in Kaduna.
He also stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had equally assured him that he would visit the state in the first week of May and that he would like to meet with the children when he comes.