<p>At least 119 inmates escaped a medium security jail in Nigeria, as heavy rains on Wednesday (Apr 24) night damaged the colonial-era prison facility in Suleja, near the Nigerian Capital of Abuja.</p>

<h2><strong>Attempts to recapture escaped prisoners underway</strong></h2>

<p>Nigerian prison service spokesperson Adamu Duza in a statement said that the hours-long downpour had "wreaked havoc" on the jail leading "to the escape of a total of one hundred and nineteen inmates of the facility".</p>

<p>AFP reports that Duza assured that a manhunt was underway to recapture the escaped prisoners and that 10 are back in custody.</p>

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<p>"We are in hot chase to recapture the rest," Duza said, as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p>Duza blamed the dilapidated conditions of the "colonial era" Nigerian prison for the grand escape. He also said that authorities were working to replace "all ageing facilities".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Public cautioned</strong></h2>

<p>The prison service spokesperson asked people to be on the lookout for fleeing inmates and report to security personnel about any suspicious people.</p>

<p>"The public is further enjoined to look out for the fleeing inmates and report any suspicious movement to the nearest security agency," said Dunza.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-shoot-down-an-indian-origin-man-while-trying-to-nab-him-for-assault-715186">US police shoot dead Indian-origin man while trying to nab him for assault</a></strong></p>

<p>He failed to reveal details about the escaped prisoners or their affiliations. However, as per Reuters, "in the past members of the Boko Haram Islamist insurgent group have been locked up in Suleja prison".</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria and Prison Breaks</strong></h2>

<p>In recent years, due to the weak infrastructure and militant attacks, prison breaks have become very common in Nigeria.</p>

<p>As per Reuters, prison breaks have become a major security concern in the country where "overcrowding, underfunding, and lax security measures have created conditions ripe for escape".</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Suleja prison break: Over 118 prisoners escaped from prison</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/suleja-prison-break-over-118-prisoners-escaped-from-prison-715094/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In one of the most&nbsp;brazen attacks&nbsp;in 2022,&nbsp;militants broke into Nigeria's Kuje security prison on the outskirts of Abuja with explosives and heavy guns. The prison break led to the&nbsp;freeing of more than 800 inmates.</p>

<p>"The Service is not unmindful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era and that they are old and weak," said Duza. In addition, he mentioned that the service is "working frantically" towards modernising its prisons, which involves the construction of six new facilities with a capacity of 3,000 each, as well as renovation of the current ones.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least 119 inmates escaped a medium security jail in Nigeria, as heavy rains on Wednesday (Apr 24) night damaged the colonial-era prison facility in Suleja, near the Nigerian Capital of Abuja.

At least 119 inmates escaped a medium security jail in Nigeria, as heavy rains on Wednesday (Apr 24) night damaged the colonial-era prison facility in Suleja, near the Nigerian Capital of Abuja. Attempts to recapture escaped prisoners underway Nigerian prison service spokesperson Adamu Duza in a statement said that the hours-long downpour had "wreaked havoc" on the jail leading "to the escape of a total of one hundred and nineteen inmates of the facility". AFP reports that Duza assured that a manhunt was underway to recapture the escaped prisoners and that 10 are back in custody. Also read | 'Vampire facials' lead to women catching HIV; CDC reports cases of transmission via cosmetic procedures "We are in hot chase to recapture the rest," Duza said, as reported by Reuters. Duza blamed the dilapidated conditions of the "colonial era" Nigerian prison for the grand escape. He also said that authorities were working to replace "all ageing facilities". Public cautioned The prison service spokesperson asked people to be on the lookout for fleeing inmates and report to security personnel about any suspicious people. "The public is further enjoined to look out for the fleeing inmates and report any suspicious movement to the nearest security agency," said Dunza. Also read | US police shoot dead Indian-origin man while trying to nab him for assault He failed to reveal details about the escaped prisoners or their affiliations. However, as per Reuters, "in the past members of the Boko Haram Islamist insurgent group have been locked up in Suleja prison". Nigeria and Prison Breaks In recent years, due to the weak infrastructure and militant attacks, prison breaks have become very common in Nigeria. As per Reuters, prison breaks have become a major security concern in the country where "overcrowding, underfunding, and lax security measures have created conditions ripe for escape". Watch | Suleja prison break: Over 118 prisoners escaped from prison In one of the most brazen attacks in 2022, militants broke into Nigeria's Kuje security prison on the outskirts of Abuja with explosives and heavy guns. The prison break led to the freeing of more than 800 inmates. "The Service is not unmindful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era and that they are old and weak," said Duza. In addition, he mentioned that the service is "working frantically" towards modernising its prisons, which involves the construction of six new facilities with a capacity of 3,000 each, as well as renovation of the current ones. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria: At least 119 criminals escape after heavy rains damage 'colonial-era' prison in Suleja

Over 118 inmates escaped from a prison facility in Nigeria. The incident took place on Wednesday night.

Nigeria: Heavy rains cause damage to facility, prison break follows

About 118 inmates escaped from a prison facility in Nigeria and the incident took place on Wednesday night according to a prison service spokesperson. Watch in for more details!

Suleja prison break: Over 118 prisoners escape from a facility near Nigerian capital

<p>Nigerian authorities have shut down a Chinese-owned supermarket in the capital&nbsp;Abuja&nbsp;over&nbsp; allegations that it denied entry to African shoppers.</p>

<p>Nigeria's&nbsp;consumer protection watchdog said on X that the supermarket&nbsp;"exclusively permits individuals of Chinese descent to enter".&nbsp;It has also summoned the Chinese owner for further investigation and interrogation.</p>

<p>The Chinese Chamber of Commerce has vehemently denied the allegations levelled by&nbsp; Nigeria's&nbsp;Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).</p>

<h2><strong>Massive outrage on social media</strong></h2>

<p>The move comes after Nigerians expressed anger on social media over the alleged racism by the supermarket administration.</p>

<p>People shared first-hand experiences on social media as some locals were being turned away by guards at the door.</p>

<p>In a video,&nbsp;a man can be heard&nbsp;saying he&nbsp;was barred&nbsp;from entering the supermarket.</p>

<p>"At the gate, the security people told me that the supermarket is strictly for Chinese people. If you are a Nigerian, you&nbsp;can't&nbsp;go inside or buy anything,"&nbsp;he said in the clip posted on&nbsp;X.</p>

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<p>Several posts were made on X by Nigerians, furthering the claims that non-Chinese shoppers were not allowed in.</p>

<p>One such post quoted a guard&nbsp;as&nbsp;saying that the market had adopted the&nbsp;‘Only Chinese&nbsp; shoppers’&nbsp;policy in January.</p>

<p>Even Nigerian politicians have voiced their anger against the Chinese supermarket.</p>

<p>Former senator Shehu Sani said that any store which barred Nigerians in Nigeria&nbsp;"should be forcibly opened or be pulled down".</p>

<h2><strong>Statement by China General Chamber of Commerce</strong></h2>

<p>China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC), the building which hosts the supermarket, said in a statement it stood for&nbsp;"equality and inclusiveness".</p>

<p>"Our principles are to enhance friendship between the people of both countries and promote economic development,"&nbsp;it added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Nigeria: Anti-graft agency recovers $28 million in corruption probe</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, an FCCPC official quoted an administrator at CGCC as saying that the supermarket&nbsp;majorly sold Chinese groceries and&nbsp;it&nbsp;was opened&nbsp;to serve the&nbsp;building’s&nbsp; tenants.&nbsp;However, he claimed that the supermarket had always been open to non-Chinese visitors.</p>

<p>FCCPC said the investigation was&nbsp;going on&nbsp;and directed the store to remain closed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Nigerian authorities have shut down a Chinese-owned supermarket in the capital Abuja over allegations that it denied entry to African shoppers. Nigeria's consumer protection watchdog said on X that the supermarket "exclusively permits individuals of Chinese descent to enter".

Nigerian authorities have shut down a Chinese-owned supermarket in the capital Abuja over allegations that it denied entry to African shoppers. Nigeria's consumer protection watchdog said on X that the supermarket "exclusively permits individuals of Chinese descent to enter". It has also summoned the Chinese owner for further investigation and interrogation. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce has vehemently denied the allegations levelled by Nigeria's Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). Massive outrage on social media The move comes after Nigerians expressed anger on social media over the alleged racism by the supermarket administration. People shared first-hand experiences on social media as some locals were being turned away by guards at the door. In a video, a man can be heard saying he was barred from entering the supermarket. "At the gate, the security people told me that the supermarket is strictly for Chinese people. If you are a Nigerian, you can't go inside or buy anything," he said in the clip posted on X. Also read: Nigeria’s Islamic police arrest non-fasting Muslims during Ramadan Several posts were made on X by Nigerians, furthering the claims that non-Chinese shoppers were not allowed in. One such post quoted a guard as saying that the market had adopted the ‘Only Chinese shoppers’ policy in January. Even Nigerian politicians have voiced their anger against the Chinese supermarket. Former senator Shehu Sani said that any store which barred Nigerians in Nigeria "should be forcibly opened or be pulled down". Statement by China General Chamber of Commerce China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC), the building which hosts the supermarket, said in a statement it stood for "equality and inclusiveness". "Our principles are to enhance friendship between the people of both countries and promote economic development," it added. Watch: Nigeria: Anti-graft agency recovers $28 million in corruption probe × Meanwhile, an FCCPC official quoted an administrator at CGCC as saying that the supermarket majorly sold Chinese groceries and it was opened to serve the building’s tenants. However, he claimed that the supermarket had always been open to non-Chinese visitors. FCCPC said the investigation was going on and directed the store to remain closed. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Locals not allowed’: Nigeria shuts Chinese supermarket for alleged racist behaviour

A growing number of states in Nigeria’s conflict-hit Northern region are setting up community-based vigilante patrol units to tighten security in villages where violent killings and kidnappings are rife.

Youth take up arms in Nigeria's volatile Kaduna state

Nigeria's anti-corruption agency has recovered nearly $30 million in an investigation into alleged fraud at a Government Ministry. The ministry itself is responsible for tackling poverty, Watch in for more details!

Nigeria: Anti-graft agency recovers $28 million, corruption probe at key govt ministry

Nigeria: Anti-graft agency recovers $28 million in corruption probe

On January 24th London raised content creator set out on a solo drive from the British Capital to Lagos. The 29-year-old received a hero's welcome when she arrived in West Africa's largest city after more than 2 months of traveling. Watch in for more details!

London to Lagos: Pelumi Nubi's record breaking journey

Nigerian Swimmer Akinrodoye Samuel has tried to raise awareness on mental health in Africa's most populous nation, swimming nearly 12 km (7.45 miles), the length of the longest bridge in Lagos where many people have jumped to their deaths.

Nigerian takes to water to raise mental health awareness

Nigeria's defence chief general says the military was being fed bad intelligence by informants, hampering the fight against armed kidnapping gangs who continue to abduct students and residents in the north of the country.

Nigeria: Villagers rejoice as abducted kids return home, abduction on rise

Nigeria: Abductions on rise as gangs adopt tactic for extortion

Nigeria's defence chief general says the military was being fed bad intelligence by informants, hampering the fight against armed kidnapping gangs who continue to abduct students and residents in the north of the country. The military announced that it had rescued 137 students abducted by gunmen earlier this month in northwestern Kaduna state. The school children arrived in Kaduna on Monday. The chief says that the military was too stretched and often relied on informants to pursue the armed gangs, known locally as bandits, often with little success.

Nigeria abducted children reunited with parents

More than 130 Nigerian school children have returned home after weeks in captivity. The Nigerian Army rescued students and staff who were abducted by gunmen from a school in remote town of Kuriga. Watch to know more!

Nigeria School Abduction: More than 130 pupils return home after weeks in captivity

Nigeria School Abduction: More than 130 kidnapped Nigerian children return home to Kaduna

Nigeria School Abduction: Over 130 abducted school children return home to Kaduna

The Nigerian army on Sunday rescued students and staff who were abducted by gunmen from a school in the country's north, days before a deadline to pay a $690,000 ransom.

Nigeria School kidnapping: Nigerian army rescues abducted Kaduna students

Abducted children in Northwest Nigeria freed after two weeks

Nigeria: Nearly 300 abducted children freed after two weeks

Nigerian Army has rescued 17 students and a woman who were kidnapped two weeks ago. The abduction had taken place in Nigeria's Northwestern State of Sokoto.

Nigerian troops rescue 17 abducted students and a woman

Nigerian army rescues abducted Kaduna students

<p>Over 200 students and staff abducted by gunmen from a school in northern Nigeria earlier this month have been released unharmed, the office of the governor of the state of Kaduna said on Sunday, days before a deadline to pay a $690,000 ransom.</p>

<p>The kidnapping, which took place on March 7 in Kuriga, a dusty town in northwestern Kaduna State, was the first mass abduction in Africa's most populous nation since 2021 when over 150 students were taken from a high school in Kaduna.</p>

<p>Abductions at Nigerian schools were first carried out by jihadist group Boko Haram, which seized 276 students from a girls' school in Chibok in northeastern Borno State a decade ago. Some of the girls have never been released.</p>

<p>But the tactic has since been widely adopted by criminal gangs without ideological affiliation seeking ransom payments.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Nigerian troops rescue 17 abducted students and a woman</strong></p>

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<p>Kaduna governor Uba Sani said the country's National Security Adviser coordinated the release of the Kuriga schoolchildren. He did not give details.</p>

<p>"The Nigerian Army also deserves special commendation for showing that with courage, determination and commitment, criminal elements can be degraded and security restored in our communities," Sani said.</p>

<p>The gunmen had last week demanded a total of 1 billion naira ($690,000) for the release of the missing children and staff.</p>

<p>The government had said it would not pay any ransom, after the practice was outlawed in 2022.</p>

<p>But kidnappings by criminal gangs demanding ransoms have become an almost daily occurrence, especially in northern Nigeria, tearing apart families and communities who have to pool savings to pay ransoms, often forcing them to sell land, cattle and grain to secure their loved ones' release.</p>


Over 200 students and staff abducted by gunmen from a school in northern Nigeria earlier this month have been released unharmed, the office of the governor of the state of Kaduna said on Sunday, days before a deadline to pay a $690,000 ransom.

Over 200 students and staff abducted by gunmen from a school in northern Nigeria earlier this month have been released unharmed, the office of the governor of the state of Kaduna said on Sunday, days before a deadline to pay a $690,000 ransom. The kidnapping, which took place on March 7 in Kuriga, a dusty town in northwestern Kaduna State, was the first mass abduction in Africa's most populous nation since 2021 when over 150 students were taken from a high school in Kaduna. Abductions at Nigerian schools were first carried out by jihadist group Boko Haram, which seized 276 students from a girls' school in Chibok in northeastern Borno State a decade ago. Some of the girls have never been released. But the tactic has since been widely adopted by criminal gangs without ideological affiliation seeking ransom payments. Also watch | Nigerian troops rescue 17 abducted students and a woman × Kaduna governor Uba Sani said the country's National Security Adviser coordinated the release of the Kuriga schoolchildren. He did not give details. "The Nigerian Army also deserves special commendation for showing that with courage, determination and commitment, criminal elements can be degraded and security restored in our communities," Sani said. The gunmen had last week demanded a total of 1 billion naira ($690,000) for the release of the missing children and staff. The government had said it would not pay any ransom, after the practice was outlawed in 2022. But kidnappings by criminal gangs demanding ransoms have become an almost daily occurrence, especially in northern Nigeria, tearing apart families and communities who have to pool savings to pay ransoms, often forcing them to sell land, cattle and grain to secure their loved ones' release.

Over 200 abducted schoolchildren in northwestern Nigeria freed after two weeks

Gunmen in Nigeria have kidnapped at least 87 people in a new attack, residents and police say, after an armed gang seized 286 students and staff from a school earlier this month.

Gunmen in Nigeria abduct at least 87 civilians from Kaduna state

An offline AI service, accessible through traditional handsets, is not only empowering individuals in Nigeria, but also bridging the gap for the world's poorest and remotest communities. Take a look at this next report for more…

Utilising AI in the world's poorest & remotest communities

The service was launched in Nigeria last month by Canada-based Viamo and allows anyone, even in locations with no internet, to access ai technology. Viamo uses a traditional handset to tap into local mobile phone networks to send commands or requests for information through SMS or voice calls.

AI-backed phones offer solutions in Nigeria

Hunters in Niger are lamenting loss of range to Islamist threat. Niger's security situation has worsened in recent months, with an increase in attacks by Islamist groups since a military junta ousted its president last July. The hunters' plight is just one of myriad ways the long-running conflict has hurt the region's communities.

Hunters in Niger lament loss of range to jihadist threat

<p>Gunmen in Nigeria have kidnapped at least 87 people, including women and children in Kaduna state, residents and police said on Monday, in a fresh attack after an armed gang seized&nbsp;286 students&nbsp;and staff from a school earlier this month.</p>

<p>Kidnappings by criminal gangs demanding ransom payments have become an almost daily occurrence in Nigeria, especially in the north, with authorities seemingly powerless to stop them.</p>

<p>Kaduna police spokesperson Mansur Hassan confirmed the incident in Kajuru Station village on Sunday night but could not give a figure of those missing. He said security agents had been deployed to try to rescue the villagers.</p>

<p>Tanko Wada Sarkin, a village head, said 87 people were taken.</p>

<p>"We have so far recorded the return of five people back home who fled through the bushes. This attack makes it five times that these bandits are attacking this community," he told Reuters by phone.</p>

<p>Residents said armed men dressed in army uniform arrived in the village undetected because they had parked their motorbikes away from the village.</p>

<p>Aruwa Ya'u, another resident, said he was captured but later released by the gunmen because he struggled to walk due to poor health. He was receiving treatment at a local government clinic, he said.</p>

<p>Gunmen are known to force-march their victims deep into the bush, keeping them for up to months while awaiting ransom payments.</p>

<p>"We were outside our homes chatting around 10:30 p.m. (2130 GMT) and suddenly bandits appeared, beating and shooting," said Haruna Atiku. His wife and two daughters were among those missing.</p>

<p>The village is about 10 km (6 miles) from Buda community, where&nbsp;gunmen seized 61 people&nbsp;on March 12.</p>

<p>Kidnappings at schools in Nigeria were first carried out by jihadist group Boko Haram, who seized more than 200 students from a girls' school in Chibok in Borno state a decade ago.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Gunmen in Nigeria have kidnapped at least 87 people, including women and children in Kaduna state, residents and police said on Monday, in a fresh attack after an armed gang seized 286 students and staff from a school earlier this month.

Gunmen in Nigeria have kidnapped at least 87 people, including women and children in Kaduna state, residents and police said on Monday, in a fresh attack after an armed gang seized 286 students and staff from a school earlier this month. Kidnappings by criminal gangs demanding ransom payments have become an almost daily occurrence in Nigeria, especially in the north, with authorities seemingly powerless to stop them. Kaduna police spokesperson Mansur Hassan confirmed the incident in Kajuru Station village on Sunday night but could not give a figure of those missing. He said security agents had been deployed to try to rescue the villagers. Tanko Wada Sarkin, a village head, said 87 people were taken. "We have so far recorded the return of five people back home who fled through the bushes. This attack makes it five times that these bandits are attacking this community," he told Reuters by phone. Residents said armed men dressed in army uniform arrived in the village undetected because they had parked their motorbikes away from the village. Aruwa Ya'u, another resident, said he was captured but later released by the gunmen because he struggled to walk due to poor health. He was receiving treatment at a local government clinic, he said. Gunmen are known to force-march their victims deep into the bush, keeping them for up to months while awaiting ransom payments. "We were outside our homes chatting around 10:30 p.m. (2130 GMT) and suddenly bandits appeared, beating and shooting," said Haruna Atiku. His wife and two daughters were among those missing. The village is about 10 km (6 miles) from Buda community, where gunmen seized 61 people on March 12. Kidnappings at schools in Nigeria were first carried out by jihadist group Boko Haram, who seized more than 200 students from a girls' school in Chibok in Borno state a decade ago.

Gunmen kidnap at least 87 in Nigeria’s Kaduna state

Nigerians are accusing the military of ransacking and burning their homes in nation's all producing state of Delta. This development comes days after 16 soldiers who went to resolve a land dispute in Delta were killed.

Nigeria: 16 Army personnel killed in Delta, military denies reprisal attack after troop's death

In the latest incident, at least 287 school students were abducted in the north-western town of Kuriga on the 7th of March. The Kidnappers issued a warning, threatening to kill the nearly 300 abducted students if a ransom of $622,000 is not paid. Watch in for more details!

Nigeria: Gunmen abduct 287 students in the latest school attack

Kidnap gangs, infamously known as bandits, have plagued much of Nigeria recently, especially in its north-west. In the latest incident, at least 287 school students were abducted in the north-western town of Kuriga on the 7th of March. The Kidnappers issued a warning, threatening to kill the nearly 300 abducted students if a ransom of $622,000 is not paid. The government talked tough saying that it won't pay a dime. Alarmingly, the incident marked the second mass abduction in the West African nation within a week. Earlier, on the 4th of March, suspected Boko Haram insurgents had kidnapped more than a 100 people, mostly women, in the remote Gamboru area of North-eastern Nigeria while they were collecting firewood. The twin kidnappings, though reportedly unrelated, are especially concerning given the reduction in the mass abductions over the past year.

Nigeria: Kidnappers demand ransom, govt refuses to pay

<p>The gunmen, who had kidnapped&nbsp;nearly 287 school children in Nigeria, have&nbsp;made a ransom demand for 1 billion naira ($621,848) and said that they would kill all the students if their demands were not fulfilled, said a member of the local community while speaking to CNN on Wednesday (Mar 13).&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They called me from a hidden number yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon at around 16 minutes past 12, and demanded 1 billion naira ($621,848) as a ransom for the students. They said [the ultimatum] will only last for three weeks or 20 days from the date they kidnapped the children and if there’s no action from the government, they will kill all of them,” Aminu Jibril, a resident of Kuriga village in Kaduna state, said. The militants had kidnapped the children on March 7.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-abduct-15-pupils-from-nigeria-school-as-search-continues-for-300-others-698447">Gunmen abduct 15 pupils from Nigeria school as search continues for 300 others</a></p>

<p>Speaking to CNN, Jibril informed that the gunmen claimed the kidnapping was “a way of getting back at the government and security agencies for killing their gang members.”</p>

<p>The Kuriga community's members stated that the kidnappers most likely got his number from the head of the school’s junior secondary section, who had also been kidnapped by them.</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria School Children Kidnapping Case&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Armed bandits, riding motorcycles, kidnapped more than 300 students early on March 7 morning. The gunmen stormed the LEA Primary and Secondary School in Kuriga village in Kaduna’s Chikun district, said the state’s police spokesman Mansur Hassan.</p>

<p>The officials were able to rescue some of the students but 287 of them are still with the kidnappers. Among the children abducted, some 100 of them were from primary school and the rest belonged to the secondary school.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Nigeria Kuriga Kidnap: Armed forces deployed by Nigerian govt to rescue students</strong></p>

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<p>In a statement, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani said that his government was “doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of the pupils and students".</p>

<p>Sani added that a community member who had confronted the gunmen during the attack was killed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The gunmen, who had kidnapped nearly 287 school children in Nigeria, have made a ransom demand for 1 billion naira ($621,848) and said that they would kill all the students if their demands were not fulfilled, said a member of the local community while speaking to CNN on Wednesday (Mar 13).

The gunmen, who had kidnapped nearly 287 school children in Nigeria, have made a ransom demand for 1 billion naira ($621,848) and said that they would kill all the students if their demands were not fulfilled, said a member of the local community while speaking to CNN on Wednesday (Mar 13). “They called me from a hidden number yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon at around 16 minutes past 12, and demanded 1 billion naira ($621,848) as a ransom for the students. They said [the ultimatum] will only last for three weeks or 20 days from the date they kidnapped the children and if there’s no action from the government, they will kill all of them,” Aminu Jibril, a resident of Kuriga village in Kaduna state, said. The militants had kidnapped the children on March 7. Also Read: Gunmen abduct 15 pupils from Nigeria school as search continues for 300 others Speaking to CNN, Jibril informed that the gunmen claimed the kidnapping was “a way of getting back at the government and security agencies for killing their gang members.” The Kuriga community's members stated that the kidnappers most likely got his number from the head of the school’s junior secondary section, who had also been kidnapped by them. Nigeria School Children Kidnapping Case Armed bandits, riding motorcycles, kidnapped more than 300 students early on March 7 morning. The gunmen stormed the LEA Primary and Secondary School in Kuriga village in Kaduna’s Chikun district, said the state’s police spokesman Mansur Hassan. The officials were able to rescue some of the students but 287 of them are still with the kidnappers. Among the children abducted, some 100 of them were from primary school and the rest belonged to the secondary school. Watch: Nigeria Kuriga Kidnap: Armed forces deployed by Nigerian govt to rescue students In a statement, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani said that his government was “doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of the pupils and students". Sani added that a community member who had confronted the gunmen during the attack was killed. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria school children kidnapping: Gunmen threaten to kill 287 kids if $622,000 ransom not paid

<p>In a recent development in Nigeria's northern state of Kano, the Islamic police, known as Hisbah arrested 11 practicing Muslims on Tuesday (March 12) for violating the Ramadan fast by consuming food.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kano, with its majority Muslim population, operates under Sharia law alongside the country's secular legislation.<br />
<img alt="Nigeria state" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d6be0ce-5ff3-42de-897f-227f379bea16" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ramadan.png" /></p>

<p>According to Hisbah spokesman Lawal Fagge, the arrests came following reports from vigilant individuals who observed the purported offenders eating during the fasting period. Among those arrested were 10&nbsp;men and one woman, with some being apprehended near bustling market areas, where Hisbah conducts routine searches during Ramadan.</p>

<p>Fagge explained that the detainees were released after pledging to adhere to the fasting obligations and not intentionally miss any fasts in the future. "For some of them," Fagge stated, "we had to involve their relatives or guardians to ensure family oversight."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Nigeria shocker: Gunmen kidnap 287 school children</strong></p>

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<p>Hisbah's jurisdiction primarily concerns Muslims, and non-Muslims are generally exempt from their enforcement activities. But Fagge noted that non-Muslims could be held accountable if found cooking food intended for sale to fasting Muslims.</p>

<p>Sharia law was introduced in 12 of Nigeria's northern states over two decades ago, all of which have predominantly Muslim populations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ramadan-begins-without-ceasefire-what-it-means-for-gaza-and-rest-of-region-top-points-698717">Ramadan begins without ceasefire: What it means for Gaza and rest of the region - Top points</a></strong></p>

<p>Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds significant religious importance, as Muslims believe it was during this month that the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad.</p>

<p>Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, forming the foundation of Muslim practice. Observers fast from dawn until sunset throughout the month.</p>

<p>This year, Ramadan began on March 11 and is expected to last 30 days, and is scheduled to conclude on April 9. The arrest of individuals violating the fast underscores the adherence to religious customs in Kano, reflecting the importance of Ramadan in the local community.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a recent development in Nigeria's northern state of Kano, the Islamic police, known as Hisbah arrested 11 practicing Muslims on Tuesday (March 12) for violating the Ramadan fast by consuming food.

In a recent development in Nigeria's northern state of Kano, the Islamic police, known as Hisbah arrested 11 practicing Muslims on Tuesday (March 12) for violating the Ramadan fast by consuming food. Kano, with its majority Muslim population, operates under Sharia law alongside the country's secular legislation. According to Hisbah spokesman Lawal Fagge, the arrests came following reports from vigilant individuals who observed the purported offenders eating during the fasting period. Among those arrested were 10 men and one woman, with some being apprehended near bustling market areas, where Hisbah conducts routine searches during Ramadan. Fagge explained that the detainees were released after pledging to adhere to the fasting obligations and not intentionally miss any fasts in the future. "For some of them," Fagge stated, "we had to involve their relatives or guardians to ensure family oversight." Also watch | Nigeria shocker: Gunmen kidnap 287 school children × Hisbah's jurisdiction primarily concerns Muslims, and non-Muslims are generally exempt from their enforcement activities. But Fagge noted that non-Muslims could be held accountable if found cooking food intended for sale to fasting Muslims. Sharia law was introduced in 12 of Nigeria's northern states over two decades ago, all of which have predominantly Muslim populations. Also read | Ramadan begins without ceasefire: What it means for Gaza and rest of the region - Top points Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds significant religious importance, as Muslims believe it was during this month that the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, forming the foundation of Muslim practice. Observers fast from dawn until sunset throughout the month. This year, Ramadan began on March 11 and is expected to last 30 days, and is scheduled to conclude on April 9. The arrest of individuals violating the fast underscores the adherence to religious customs in Kano, reflecting the importance of Ramadan in the local community. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria’s Islamic police arrest non-fasting Muslims during Ramadan

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