The Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has welcomed the remaining students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, following their abduction earlier this year.
The victims were formally handed over on Monday by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Major General Adamu Laka.
Addressing the handover, Laka commended the tireless efforts of security agencies since the abduction, emphasizing the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of every Nigerian child. He reaffirmed that security agencies remain resolute in implementing measures to protect citizens nationwide.
Governor Bago, visibly emotional during the reception, expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and NSA Ribadu for their swift and decisive actions, which culminated in the successful rescue of the children and staff.
The Federal Government had earlier announced the release of 130 kidnapped students from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School. In total, over 300 children, teachers, and staff members were abducted by armed gunmen who stormed the school on the morning of November 21.
Reports indicated that the attackers, arriving on more than 60 motorcycles and accompanied by a van, shot the school’s gatekeeper, leaving him seriously injured.
Following the abduction, the government imposed a 24-hour security cordon and launched aerial surveillance across parts of Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi States.
President Tinubu also cancelled planned international engagements to personally oversee the response, while authorities ordered the indefinite closure of schools in Niger State and several federal institutions in high-risk areas.
Earlier, on December 7, the government secured the release of 100 abducted students, who were received by Governor Bago at the Niger State Government House. The remaining students and staff are now safely reunited with their families, marking the end of a harrowing ordeal.
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