Niger school abduction: We’re having sleepless nights, parents tell NSA

Parents of the abducted pupils and students of St. Mary Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara LGA of Niger State, have said that the past week has been extremely traumatic and frustrating.

Daily Trust earlier reported how terrorists stormed the school in the early hours of Friday, November 21, 2025, abducting more than 300 pupils, students, and staff.

The school later issued a statement confirming that 50 students escaped and reunited with their families.

Speaking during a meeting between the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and representatives of the parents and school management at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora, the school’s principal, Rev. Sister Felicia Gyang, and a parents’ representative, Mr. Luka Iliya, said many families had endured sleepless nights since the attack.

Mr Amos Ibrahim, a parent whose three children were kidnapped alongside others, said he has been unable to sleep or eat due to fear and uncertainty over the condition of the children.

“We have been having sleepless nights for the past one week. We can’t even eat. The situation is worsened by the fact that we don’t know the condition our children are in. This harmattan season—where are they sleeping? What are they eating? These questions have been troubling our minds day and night. I have three children among the abductees.

“No tangible communication has come from the authorities. Last week, they asked us to come and write our names as parents, which we did. But aside from that, nothing else has been heard,” he said.

Abducted pupils will return soon – Ribadu

Meanwhile, Ribadu assured the parents and management of the Catholic school that the abducted children and staff are safe and will soon be reunited with their families.

Ribadu was 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 the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern Nigeria, Rev. Joseph Hayab.

The NSA informed parents that security measures had been strengthened to support ongoing rescue operations.

Delivering President Bola Tinubu’s message of hope, Ribadu urged citizens to collaborate with government efforts to end insecurity nationwide.

Describing the situation as a difficult moment, he said the federal government had taken full responsibility for rescuing the children.

“This is a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—that we must visit you. Mr President is in pain. He is in sorrow like all of us. He stopped everything he was doing and was even scheduled 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 or allow evil to take root,” Ribadu said.

He commended the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and proprietor of the school, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, for remaining steadfast despite the frustrations surrounding the abduction. Ribadu also assured that 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 exist, but what they have done this time will bring about a positive change in Nigeria,” he added.

Bishop Yohanna thanked President Tinubu and the NSA for the visit, saying it had renewed the hope of the parents and the school community.

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