National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has assured parents of the more than 300 pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State that the children “are doing fine and will be back soon.”
Ribadu gave the assurance on Monday during a meeting at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora, with the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, parents of the victims, and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leaders.
He was accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Bernard Doro; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi; and CAN Northern Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab.
The NSA explained that his visit followed a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who cancelled a planned trip in response to the abduction. Describing the situation as “solemn and difficult,” Ribadu said intensified federal security operations were underway to rescue the victims.
Reiterating that the children would be brought home safely, he stated: “God is with them and God is with us. Evil will never win.” He also disclosed that the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and other European partners were supporting Nigeria’s efforts to tackle the kidnapping crisis.
According to Daniel Atori, media aide to Bishop Yohanna, Ribadu’s assurances offered some comfort to families, though anxiety remains high.
Ribadu further pledged that security would be strengthened in affected communities, insisting that the incident would mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against kidnapping and terrorism. “You will see our reactions and responses now. What they have done is what will change Nigeria for good,” he said.
However, CAN leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the Niger State government’s handling of the crisis. A source told Akelicious that the association accused Governor Umar Bago of ignoring their concerns and “dismissing their plight.”
