APC Chairman Pledges Support for Niger State Over Missing Schoolchildren
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared the party's unwavering support for the government and people of Niger State following the distressing disappearance of pupils from St. Mary's School, Papiri, in Agwara local council.
Solidarity Visit and Condolences
Prof. Yilwatda made this commitment on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, when he led a delegation from the party's National Working Committee (NWC) on a sympathy visit to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna. During the meeting, the APC chairman expressed profound sorrow over the incident, which is part of a troubling pattern of kidnappings across the country.
"Our hearts are heavy, and we stand in solidarity with the government and people of the Niger state in this moment of grief," Yilwatda stated, capturing the somber mood of the visit.
Commendation for Security and Governance
While addressing the security situation, Prof. Yilwatda praised the efforts of security agencies, noting that the directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are yielding positive outcomes. He expressed hope and offered prayers for the safe and swift recovery of the missing schoolchildren.
Furthermore, the APC chairman lauded Governor Bago for his developmental initiatives and his role in fostering religious tolerance within the state. He emphasized that such harmony is a critical need for the entire nation at this time.
Governor Bago's Response and Call for Unity
In his response, Governor Mohammed Bago thanked the APC chairman and the NWC members for their show of support, describing it as a demonstration of the strong brotherhood within the party.
The governor urged citizens to continue praying for the safe return of the children and for lasting peace in Niger State and Nigeria. He reinforced the state's commitment to peaceful coexistence, highlighting that there is strength in diversity and that the state will continue to thrive despite religious differences.
Related Development: Dr. Martina Yilwatda Advocates for Women in Politics
In a related development, Dr. Martina Yilwatda, the wife of the APC National Chairman, has called for support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a meeting with the Women Leadership Network (WLN) on Sunday in Abuja, Dr. Yilwatda insisted that Nigerian women must take ownership of the process of political inclusion rather than merely demanding it. She argued that for women to achieve expanded representation, they must deliberately mobilize votes and political structures for female aspirants.
"We must not only come out to work, we must come out to contest," she stressed. "If we want a different narrative, the change must begin with us. We have to be deliberate."
She explained that the WLN is building a nationwide structure, from states down to polling units, to identify, mentor, and encourage more women to run for office, thereby preparing a new generation for long-term political engagement.
