Bago assures of abducted pupils’ rescue

Niger deputy governor Comrade Yakubu Garba addressing participants at the retreat. Photo: Chika Otuchikere.

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Niger State governor Mohammed Bago has made a volteface over his earlier stance that the over 250 pupils of St Mary School were never abducted.

At an eight-day retreat for newly nominated commissioners and elected local government chairmen, Bago kicked off his opening remarks by lamenting how pained he was by the abduction.

“Before we go deep into the sessions ahead, I must speak from the heart on a matter that concerns us all. The unfortunate abduction of school children and teachers at St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government.

“This is highly condemnable and has left our state deeply worried. As the chief security officer of the state and a parent myself, I feel the pain of every mother and father anxiously waiting for their children to return home.

“Let me use this opportunity to assure you all that we are committed to the safety of the children and ensuring the security of lives and properties in the state,” he said.

Represented by the state’s deputy governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, the governor said the retreat was aimed at sharpening the blunt edges of the nominees and elected chairmen to position them for the task ahead.

“This Executive Retreat is not just another event on the government calendar. It is a moment of reflection, planning, and strategic alignment with renewed vigour for our shared commitment towards achieving the New Niger vision.

“Indeed, the mandate we have been entrusted with by the good people of Niger State demands Servant-Leadership; characterised by competence, responsibility, honesty, teamwork, and above all, results-oriented,” Bago said.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, in his remarks, said the retreat was designed to strengthen collaboration and build a unified sense of purpose among top government functionaries as the administration advances its New Niger Agenda.

He reminded the chairmen-elect that grassroots development was their responsibility and charged the commissioners and other top government officials to remain the engine room that would help the government achieve its plans.

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