President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the safe return of 100 students abducted from Papiri Catholic School in Niger State, praising the country’s security agencies for what he described as their “tireless and steadfast efforts” in securing the students’ freedom.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed joy over the return of the students, who were among those kidnapped during the attack on the school on November 21.
President Tinubu, while commending Governor Umar Bago and security operatives for their coordinated actions, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the swift rescue of the remaining 115 students and their teachers still held hostage.
“I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident on November 21,” the President said.
He reassured anxious parents that the Federal Government is working closely with the Niger State Government to ensure that all abducted students are reunited with their families without delay.
“My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims. The Federal Government will continue to work with Niger State and other states to secure our schools and make the learning environment safer and more conducive for our young ones,” he added.
President Tinubu also issued a strong directive to the nation’s security agencies and state governors to intensify efforts to prevent school abductions, stressing that children must not be left vulnerable to criminal elements.
“From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to strengthen school security nationwide and ensure that Nigerian children can learn in a safe and protected environment.
