Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has assured anxious parents and the Christian community in Niger State that the 315 pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area, are “doing fine” and will soon regain their freedom.
Ribadu gave the assurance during a solidarity visit to Bulus Yohanna, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and proprietor of the school, days after the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state announced that 50 of the abducted students had escaped from captivity.
“This is a very solemn and difficult moment for us, especially after hearing from some of the parents,” Ribadu said, according to a statement issued by the diocese.
“However, we take responsibility because it is our duty to protect you. The children are doing fine and will be back soon.”
The NSA disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had personally directed him to visit the diocese, saying the president was deeply pained by the incident.
“Mr. President 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 said.
Ribadu, who described the mass abduction as an attack on all Nigerians, insisted that the federal government would no longer tolerate the atrocities of criminal gangs operating across the country.
“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 declared.
He added that Nigeria’s international partners were rallying behind the country in the renewed fight against terrorism and banditry.
“Many good people from all over the world are coming to support us, including the United States of America,” the NSA said.
“We appreciate everyone, especially European countries like France, the United Kingdom and a couple of others.
The whole world is coming together to stop and defeat this evil which has been going on in Nigeria for two decades.”
Earlier, Bishop Yohanna thanked President Tinubu for the prompt intervention and presented the NSA with copies of a report on the incident before they proceeded into a closed-door meeting that lasted about 30 minutes.
The November 21 attack, during which 303 students and 12 teachers were taken away, has been widely condemned and has renewed calls for both state and federal authorities to intensify efforts to secure schools in rural communities across the country.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
