The 137 schoolchildren who were abducted from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna State have been released and have safely arrived at the Government House in Kaduna.

The Kaduna State Government on Sunday announced that the schoolchildren were released without a ransom being paid to the abductors.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the state governor, Uba Sani.

The statement partly read, “I wish to announce that our Kuriga school children have been released.”

The governor further clarified that only 137 schoolchildren were abducted on March 7, 2024, and not 287 as was previously reported  in some sections of the media.

Speaking on Channels Television program on Sunday, Uba Sani distanced controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi from the release of the schoolchildren.

Sani stated that although Gumi had offered to negotiate with the bandits for the release of the student but was not involved.

When asked if ransom was paid to secure the release of the schoolchildren, Sani said, “All those speculations you are hearing today are figment of some people’s imagination.

“I can tell you that without any fear of contradiction. There was nothing like Gumi in this operation. I can tell you. I won’t undermine the efforts of our Armed Forces.”

Confirming the report, the Nigerian Military said the pupils were rescued from Zamfara State.