National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, has reassured that the pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, are in good health and will be reunited with their families soon.
On November 21, armed assailants stormed the school and abducted 315 people, including 303 students and 12 teachers.
Following the attack, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Niger State reported that 50 of the kidnapped students had managed to escape from captivity.
Mr Ribadu, during a solidarity visit to the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and the school’s proprietor, Bulus Yohanna, expressed confidence that the abducted individuals were safe.
Acknowledging the difficult situation, Mr Ribadu continued, “This is a very solemn and painful moment for all of us, especially after hearing from the parents and from all of you.
However, we take full responsibility because it is our duty to protect you.”
The NSA also conveyed a message from President Bola Tinubu, stating, “This is a directive from Mr. President that we must come and visit you. He shares in our sorrow and pain. He suspended his travel plans to be with us in spirit during this time.”
Mr Ribadu emphasized the government’s resolve to tackle the criminal elements responsible for terrorizing the country, saying, “Enough is enough. We will not relent in our efforts. We are all under attack, but we will not let evil divide us.”
He further highlighted Nigeria’s growing international support in the fight against terrorism and banditry, noting, “Many nations, including the United States, as well as European countries like France and the UK, are standing with us. The world is uniting to defeat this evil that has plagued Nigeria for two decades.”
During the visit, Bishop Yohanna expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for his support and presented a report to Ribadu. The two officials then held a private meeting for about 30 minutes.
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