Eight abducted female students have escaped from their abductors in Kaduna state, government official in the North West state has said.

The students were kidnapped from Government Secondary School in Awon by terrorists.

The abduction took place on April 3, in the Awon general area of Kachia LGA of the state.

Sources familiar with the development said the students managed to escape from a thick forest near the Kaduna-Niger interstate boundaries, where they had been held captive.

It was gathered that the girls walked for several days until they found a safe location where they were able to seek help.

The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan confirmed the students’ escape in a statement on Tuesday.

He disclosed that human intelligence sources alerted the state government to the students’ escape, after which Governor Nasir El-Rufai ordered their immediate evacuation.

According to him, the terrorists were reportedly combing the area in search of the students, making it imperative to act swiftly.

He said the eight students had been safely evacuated to a military facility, where they are presently receiving medical attention.

Aruwan said Governor El-Rufai praised the students for their bravery and resilience in making their escape