From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called for urgent proper medical and shock checks on the school children that were abducted by bandits fortnight ago in Kuriga town in Chikun local government area of Kaduna State.
The school children were freed from bandits somewhere in Zamfara State by the military troops from the Defence Headquarters after 17 days in captivity.
A statement by NEF spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said the news of the return of the abducted Kuriga schoolchildren was a ray of hope in what has been a dark period for the community.
“As elders, we welcome the children back with open arms and rejoice in their safe return. However, we must not let this joy overshadow the urgent need for the proper medical and shock checks to be accorded to the children as they reintegrate into society.
“This school abduction is one too many, and the Northern Elders Forum strongly declares that enough is enough. The safety and security of our children should not be something that is up for negotiation. It is unacceptable for Nigerians, particularly those in the northern region, to continue living under such insecure conditions.
“It is unfortunate that barely months into the Tinubu administration, there have already been clear signs of failure in the vital area of providing security of life and property to citizens.
“The return of the Kuriga school children is a testament to the resilience and strength of our community. But it should also serve as a wake-up call to all of us. We cannot afford to become complacent in the face of such brazen acts of violence and disregard for human life. As elders, it is our duty to protect and nurture the next generation. We must work together with the government and relevant authorities to ensure that our children can go to school without fear and that their safety and well-being are always a top priority.
“While we celebrate the return of the abducted Kuriga school children, we must also demand accountability and action from our leaders. The security of our children and our communities must be prioritized above all else.