Kaduna Governor Uba Sani has stated that 137 school pupils, not 287 as widely reported were taken from Kuriga in the Chikun Local Government Area.
The pupils were stolen from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, Kuriga on Thursday, March 7.
The Governor remarked during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
Sani said all school pupils taken by the bandits have been freed by the military in coordination with local authorities from adjacent Zamfara State where the captives were transferred to by their captors.
The Defence Headquarters on Saturday stated 137 pupils were freed, contrary to allegations that 287 youngsters were seized by gunmen.
The relieved Governor said the number released by the military is the authentic figure, describing “287”, as a figment of some people’s imagination.
He said: “I don’t want to join issues with anyone in terms of numbers. What is more important to me is the safe return of the children.
“Today, I am happy that they are back safely, in high spirits, but those numbers were just figments of some people’s imagination.
“Today, I met with the families of the children and they confirmed to me that the numbers given by the military are the correct numbers.
“The “287” are works of propagandists.”