In a dramatic turn of events, two students who were kidnapped from their school have been rescued and reunited with their families. The students, who endured a harrowing ordeal, were held captive by an armed group for about 2 weeks. These two are currently students of the Federal University Wukari, they were abducted by suspected kidnappers on 1st April 2024.
The students were released by their captors late at night on Thursday, close to Chinkai village of Wukari local government area of Taraba state.
This information was disclosed by the Head of Information and Protocol unit of the university, Ashu Agya. Ashu Agya said a ransom of 700 thousand naira was paid in exchange for their freedom. The kidnappers had earlier requested a ransom fee of 50 million naira.
Other sources said, that the students were kidnapped at about 10:00 pm on the 1st of April, at an eatery located outside the school premises. The kidnappers attempted abducting more students which failed and led to the beating of the students and shop owners as well as destroying of their shops.
The Vice Chancellor during the recently conducted convocation ceremony said about 90 percent of the staff and students of the institution live outside the school premises. The students who were released were identified by the school authorities as Joshua Sardauna from the Economics Department and Obianu Elizabeth from the Microbiology department
The students were found in relatively good health, although they had understandably experienced a traumatic ordeal.
Emotions ran high as parents and loved ones rushed to embrace their children, expressing relief and gratitude for their safe return. The students were immediately provided with medical attention and counseling to help them recover from their ordeal.
This heartwarming development serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people in the face of adversity. The nation stands united in support of the affected students and their families, as they begin the process of healing and rebuilding their lives.