In a recent statement, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said that the number of schoolchildren kidnapped in a recent attack in Chikun LGA was actually 137, rather than the 287 reported by media outlets. The governor’s comments raise questions about the accuracy of initial reports.
The Defence Headquarters initially reported the rescue of 137 schoolchildren, while media reports had cited the number as 287. The discrepancy raises questions about the accuracy of official and media reports, and the safety of schoolchildren in the region remains a concern.
In an interview with Channels Television on Sunday night, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani stated that the rescued schoolchildren were already in Kaduna State and that they were in good spirits. The governor also said that the military would formally hand over the children to him on Monday.
When asked for clarification regarding the figure, the governor said, “There was nobody that ever confirmed tha the children were 287. You know I visited the community and nobody came with any specific figure and as a governor I listened to most of the media coming up with figures and I knew even at that time that the figures were not correct because I have been interfacing with the school authority, we have the register, we have everything, we have their records in Kaduna.
“But you see at that critical time, I didn’t want to join issues with anyone in terms of numbers, what is more important to me as a governor is the safe return of the children. Today I am happy they are back, they are in high spirits.
“Those numbers were just a figment of some people’s imagination. Today I met the families of the children and they confirmed to me that the numbers given by the military are the correct numbers, so for me, it is more important.”
Governor Sani confirmed that “137 children were released”.