The United States Mission in Nigeria has condemned the abduction of scores of school children and women in Kaduna state.
The US Mission in Nigeria via its official X page on Saturday also condemned the displaced persons abducted in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, where suspected Boko Haram terrorists had kidnapped over 100 internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The US mission also urged the Nigerian government to arrest the perpetrators and make sure they face the consequences.
The United States government however pledges its support to Nigeria’s effort to secure release of affected victims.
The US Mission in Nigeria statement reads:
The United States strongly condemns the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Kaduna and displaced persons in Borno. Our hearts go out to the victims’ families. We stand with you in demanding the perpetrators face justice and the immediate, safe return of all taken. We support…
— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) March 9, 2024
“We support Nigeria’s efforts to secure their release,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the White House National Security Advisor to the President of the United States, James Sullivan also strongly condemned the recent kidnappings, emphasizing the USA’s commitment to working with Nigeria to rescue the abductees.
Sullivan writes, “ We condemn the recent kidnappings of displaced persons in Borno State and school children & staff in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
“We stand with Nigeria in demanding the immediate safe return of these innocent civilians and call for perpetrators to be held to account.””
It will be recalled that over 280 pupils and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA primary school at Kuriga, Kaduna State were abducted by bandits.
The bandits reportedly invaded the Kuriga area of the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Thursday, shooting at their victims before taking away at least 280 of the pupils and teachers from both schools.
Also read: Borno, Kaduna abductions: Tinubu orders immediate rescue of captives