RIBADU SAYS ABDUCTED NIGER SCHOOLCHILDREN “DOING FINE”, ASSURES FAMILIES OF THEIR SOON RETURN
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has assured that pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra LGA of Niger State are safe and will soon be reunited with their families.
Ribadu gave the assurance during a solidarity visit to Bulus Yohanna, the Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese and proprietor of the school, according to a statement issued by the diocese.
Armed men had attacked the school on November 21, abducting 315 people including 303 students and 12 teachers. Days later, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State confirmed that 50 abducted students had escaped from captivity.
Speaking during the visit, Ribadu said, “The children are doing fine and will be back soon.”
He acknowledged the emotional trauma faced by parents, describing the situation as “a very solemn and difficult moment”.
“This is a directive from Mr. President that we must come and visit you. Mr. President is in pain; he is in sorrow just like all of us. He stopped everything he was doing; he was supposed to travel but he suspended his journey,” Ribadu added.
The NSA vowed that the Federal Government would no longer tolerate the activities of criminal gangs terrorising schools and communities.
“Enough is enough. We will not be relentless in our efforts. We are all under attack. Let us not allow bad people to divide us; let us not allow evil to get into us,” he warned.
Ribadu also revealed growing international support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and banditry, noting assistance from the United States, France, the United Kingdom and other European partners.
Earlier, Bishop Yohanna thanked President Bola Tinubu for the government’s intervention and presented a report to the NSA before both men proceeded into a 30-minute closed-door meeting.
Authorities have yet to give a specific date for the safe return of the remaining abducted students and staff, but security forces say operations are ongoing.
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