Niger State Governor Umaru Bago on Monday received one hundred of the abducted pupils of Saint Marys Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, following their release by the Federal Government.
The children, conveyed in several buses, arrived at the Niger State Government House around five twenty in the evening. They were formally handed over to the state authorities by the Office of the National Security Adviser. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was represented at the ceremony by Wing Commander Abdullahi Dare.
While presenting the rescued pupils, Dare explained that security agencies had worked relentlessly since the abduction to secure their safe return. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to protect the rights and safety of every Nigerian child, adding that security agencies remain fully dedicated to safeguarding citizens across the country.
Governor Bago, while receiving the pupils, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser for the swift and coordinated actions that led to the safe recovery of the children. He assured parents and the public that efforts are still underway to rescue the remaining pupils who are still held captive. According to him, the government is optimistic that the rest will be reunited with their families soon.
The governor appealed to residents to continue praying for the safe return of those still missing and to support measures aimed at preventing future attacks. He described the moment as a significant and emotional one in the history of Niger State, noting that the young ages of the rescued children made the situation even more heartbreaking.
Bago directed medical personnel to carry out thorough health checks on all the rescued pupils to ensure their physical and emotional wellbeing. He also disclosed that the state government is working closely with the Christian Association of Nigeria, UNICEF, and other partners to strengthen child protection systems and guarantee the safe return of every abducted student.
The release of the hundred pupils took place on Sunday. Earlier on Monday, the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria said it had not been officially informed about the development. Bishop Bulus Yohanna, who chairs the association, said it would be a great relief if the report was true, noting that the church had been praying and waiting for the childrens return.
The abduction occurred on November twenty one, twenty twenty five, when armed bandits attacked Saint Marys Catholic School in the remote community of Papiri in Agwarra Local Government Area. A total of three hundred and fifteen individuals were taken, including three hundred and three students and twelve teachers. Fifty pupils managed to escape within twenty four hours.
Until Sunday, two hundred and sixty five people remained in captivity, including two hundred and fifty three children and all twelve teachers. The latest release brings the number still held to one hundred and sixty five.
The incident drew nationwide and international concern, including a reaction from Pope Leo the fourteenth.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, the Federal Government launched aerial surveillance operations and imposed a twenty four hour security cordon across parts of Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States. President Tinubu cancelled a planned foreign trip to personally oversee the response, while all schools in Niger State and several institutions in high risk regions were ordered to close indefinitely.
Last week, the National Security Adviser visited the school and met with parents, assuring them that the children were safe and would be returned soon. Ribadu urged parents to remain hopeful, saying that evil would not prevail and that the children would come home.
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