The parents of the abducted schoolchildren at Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, have turned to prayers in hopes of the safe return of their children.

Their resolve followed their inability to meet up with the sum of N1 billion demanded as ransom by the bandits responsible for the children’s abduction.

The parents said with the demand of N1 billion ransom made by the bandits and the threat to kill the children if they fail to pay the ransom within 20 days, the community has come to the conclusion that only God and government can rescue their children.

To this end, they said, they have decided to seize the opportunity provided by the Ramadan period to pray, fast and constantly recite the Qur’an as a way of seeking God’s face and securing His intervention for the safe return of the innocent children.

They also called on the state and federal governments not to renege on their promise to rescue the 287 children.

One of the parents, Nasiru Zakari Kuriga, who expressed confidence that the government would keep its promise to ensure safe return of their children, urged the government to focus on its promise.

Kuriga also called on government to shelve pronouncements that are capable of worsening the traumatic conditions of the affected parents.

He said: “The government has promised us to do whatever is possible to rescue our children.

“Some women have four children in the bandits’ captivity.”

Kuriga also confirmed earlier reports that the bandits who abducted the schoolchildren had called to demand a billion naira as ransom.

“Truly, these people have called. But the government has promised us, particularly when Governor Uba Sani came here, that, it will bring back our children safely.

“So, the government should concentrate on the rescue effort,” he said.

Reacting to the news of Federal Government’s resolve against payment of ransom, Kuriga said: “The government should please not come out clear to us on what it will do and what it will not do, because coming out to tell us that government will not pay ransom is like spoiling 10 things while attempting to repair five things.

“We are supporting the government in its efforts. Every day now, we recite complete Qur’an. We are praying that God will make the children come safe and sound,” he said.

Another parent, Abdullahi Umar, said even the bandits know that even the entire community cannot raise N1 billion, because they are poor farmers whose economic activities have been destroyed by the same bandits.