The 100 pupils of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, who regained their freedom on Sunday night, have been handed over to the Niger State government.
The state government further stated that the students would undergo comprehensive medical examinations prior to their release to their parents.
Recall that the 50 pupils who had previously fled two days after more than 300 students were kidnapped from the school were also rescued on Sunday.
At approximately 5:15 pm, the kids arrived the Niger State Government House under strict Abuja security. They appeared weak and worn out.
During the handover, Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong, the National Security Adviser’s (NSA) representative, stated that the Federal Government’s intervention made the schoolchildren’s release possible and that the Army, DSS, and Police worked together to carry out the rescue operation.
Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago stated in his speech that the students release is a significant day for the citizens and government of the State.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Advisor, and all the security personnel who helped make the release of the students possible.
The government is hoping for the release of the remaining children from their kidnappers, according to Governor Bago, who also revealed that the children will receive medical examinations before being reunited with their families.
President Bola Tinubu, in the meantime, ordered security personnel to ensure that the remaining victims, the 115 pupils and their teachers who are still in the terrorists hands, can safely return to their homes.
In a statement issued on Monday night by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), maintained that “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.”
“While expressing his joy over the safe return of the students, President Tinubu equally charged the security agencies to ensure the swift release of the remaining 115 students and their teachers who are still held hostage.
“President Tinubu assured the parents that both the federal and the Niger State governments are working closely to reunite all the abducted students with their families.
“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.
“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.
