In a stirring moment of relief tinged with ongoing concern, the Kaduna State Government played host to 137 rescued abducted students of the Government Secondary School, located in the Chikun Local Government Area of the state. The children, freed in a daring operation in Zamfara State on Sunday, made their emotional return to Kaduna on Monday.

Under a veil of tight security, the rescued schoolchildren arrived at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House at precisely 2:08 pm. Newsmen found themselves restrained from direct interaction with the children, while the parents of the majority of the students remained conspicuously absent during the solemn ceremony.

Following their arrival, the children were escorted to the Women and Children Shelter for essential psychosocial therapy before reuniting with their families. Regrettably, six students required immediate medical attention and were swiftly admitted to the Army medical facility at Dallet Barracks, Kawo, Kaduna.

Maj. Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, formally presented the rescued schoolchildren to Governor Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House. Maj. Gen. Saraso confirmed that one male student and five female pupils were receiving treatment at the Army hospital, reassuring that they would be transferred to the state government’s care upon medical clearance.

Governor Sani seized the moment to caution against the politicization of security issues, emphasizing the imperative of prioritizing citizen safety over political discourse. Expressing gratitude for the successful rescue operation, the governor acknowledged the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu and reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the security of all citizens.

The operation, coordinated under the strategic guidance of President Tinubu through the Office of the National Security Adviser, culminated in the release of 137 students and one staff member, tragically losing Mr. Abubakar while in captivity. Despite the ordeal, the rescued children, comprising 76 females and 61 males, stand as testament to both resilience and the nation’s collective determination to confront terrorism.

However, amidst this ray of hope, the shadows of insecurity loom large. In a chilling reminder of the challenges faced, a fresh attack in Ungwan Saidu, Magajin Gari Ward II, Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area claimed four lives and led to the abduction of 58 individuals. The incident underscores the precarious security situation prevalent in Kaduna and the urgent need for comprehensive measures to safeguard communities.

As the nation grapples with the scourge of terrorism and kidnapping, the resilience of communities and the dedication of security forces remain unwavering. Yet, the road to lasting peace demands collective action, unwavering resolve, and a commitment to confront the root causes of insecurity head-on.

Efforts to reach the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, and the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, for comment on the recent attack were unavailing at the time of reporting.