PHOTO: Remaining 130 Abducted Niger Catholic School Students Regain Freedom
The remaining 130 students of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri community, Niger State, who were abducted by bandits, have regained their freedom.
The students were released on Sunday night and were sighted in several vehicles en route to Wawa, Niger State. Sources said they are expected to undergo medical examinations before being transferred to Minna or Abuja.
Their release comes two weeks after 100 students from the same school were freed, bringing the total number of rescued students to 230.
Confirming the development, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, expressed delight over the successful rescue, describing it as a victory over evil forces and a reassurance that insecurity would not triumph in Nigeria.
Abiodun noted that the release of the students fulfilled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge to ensure their safe rescue without harm and their eventual reunion with their families.
Commending the President for strengthening security measures nationwide, the governor said the sustained rescue of abducted persons was gradually restoring public confidence in governance and national security.
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He cited the recent rescue of 24 abductees in Kebbi State, the earlier release of 100 students from the Niger Catholic school, and the freeing of Christian worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State, as evidence of the administration’s resolve to confront the country’s security challenges.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday, Abiodun described the students’ release as heartwarming, noting that they and their families would now be able to celebrate the Yuletide season together after weeks of trauma.
“I am extremely delighted to learn that the remaining 130 students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri community, Niger State, who were hitherto in captivity, have been released,” he said.
According to him, the students, their parents, the Papiri community and the Niger State Government had endured a painful ordeal, stressing that their freedom marked a triumph over criminal elements who attacked innocent students and teachers.
Abiodun further lauded the commitment of the Tinubu administration to restoring safety and security across the country, urging Nigerians to continue supporting government efforts in tackling kidnapping and terrorism.
He also commended the security agencies for their role in securing the students’ release and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the abductions to the fullest extent of the law.
