Niger abduction: Tinubu in pain, victims will return soon, says Ribadu

National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has assured parents and management of the Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, where over 200 pupils were kidnapped that the children and staff were safe and would soon return to reunite with their families.

Ribadu gave the assurance at a closed-door meeting with representatives of the parents and management of the school at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora.

Daily Trust had reported how terrorists stormed the school in the wee hours of Friday, November 21, 2025.

Accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Bernard Doro, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern Nigeria , Rev. Joseph Hayab, Ribadu told parents and school management that security had been beefed up for rescue operations.

While delivering President Bola Tinubu’s message of hope and assurance, Ribadu asked citizens to collaborate with government to end insecurity across the country.

The NSA who described the current security situation as a difficult moment said the federal government had taken the we responsibility to rescue the children.

“This is a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that we must come and visit you. Mr. President is in pain. He is in sorrow just like all of us. He stopped everything he was doing and he was supposed to travel but he suspended his journey.

“Enough is enough, we will not relent in our efforts, we are all under attack, let us not allow bad people to divide us, let us not allow evil to get into us,” he said.

He commended Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Proprietor of the school, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, for standing firm and remaining unwavering despite frustrations that trailed the abduction.

Furthermore, he assured that the adequate security would be provided in the area.

“You will see our reactions and responses now, one thing I know is that, evil people will always be around but this thing they have done is what will change Nigeria for good”.

Bishop Yohanna thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser for the visit, saying the hope of parents and the school had been reawakened.

The Principal of the school Rev. Sister Felicia Gyang, and a representative of the Parents, Mr. Luka Iliya, said many parents had been having sleepless night over the incident.

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