In a significant development for Niger State, Governor Umaru Bago has personally welcomed 130 school children and seven teachers who were recently rescued from captivity. The emotional handover ceremony took place at the Government House in Minna.
Security Collaboration Leads to Successful Rescue
The rescued individuals are students and staff of St. Mary Catholic Primary and Secondary School. They were presented to the governor by the National Coordinator of the Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka (rtd).
General Laka explained that the successful rescue mission was a collaborative effort. The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) worked alongside various other security agencies to secure the children's release. He confirmed that all the abducted children from this group are now safe and commended Nigerians for their widespread support and prayers during the ordeal.
Governor's Gratitude and Christmas Invitation
Governor Mohammad Umaru Bago expressed profound relief and gratitude. He specifically thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing unwavering support which was crucial to securing the children's freedom. The governor also attributed the successful outcome to divine intervention.
In a heartwarming gesture, Governor Bago extended a festive invitation to the children and their families. "As we are approaching the yuletide, I am inviting the children and their parents back to Minna to celebrate Christmas with me," he stated, aiming to replace traumatic memories with a joyful celebration.
Background of the Papiri Abduction
This rescue marks a critical chapter in a distressing incident that began in late November. Armed attackers stormed St. Mary’s boarding school in the rural community of Papiri, Niger State, abducting hundreds.
The initial attack caused national outrage, reminiscent of the infamous 2014 Chibok girls' kidnapping. Key details of the incident include:
- The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) initially reported 315 students and staff missing.
- Approximately 50 individuals managed to escape shortly after the abduction.
- A prior release on December 7 saw about 100 people freed.
This kidnapping highlighted the persistent and worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria, where armed gangs frequently target schools to demand ransom payments. The nation continues to grapple with interlinked security crises, from terrorism in the northeast to rampant banditry in the northwest.
