Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has commended the security forces and the government for the successful rescue of kidnapped school children from the Kuriga area of Kaduna State. In a statement shared via her verified X handle on Sunday, Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude to all involved in the rescue operation.
While acknowledging the positive outcome of the rescue mission, Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the importance of prioritizing the protection of schools through the Safe Schools Initiative in Nigeria. She urged the government to implement measures to safeguard children’s access to education and encourage parents to send and keep their children in school.
“Wonderful news on the release of the abducted children from Kuriga!! Thanks to the Security forces and all in Govt involved in their release. Now let the Safe Schools Initiative kick in to better protect our children and encourage parents to send and keep their children in school,” Okonjo-Iweala stated.
The statement comes after the recent abduction of 287 school children from Kuriga by bandits in Kaduna State, followed by their subsequent release. Governor Uba Sani confirmed the children’s freedom in the early hours of Sunday, marking a positive development in the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of students across the country.
