President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound relief following the rescue of one hundred students of Papiri Catholic School in Niger State, commending security agencies for their diligence and persistence throughout the recovery operation. The President noted that the development brought a measure of comfort to families who had endured days of anxiety.
However, the President stressed that the job is far from complete. While rejoicing over the safe return of the rescued pupils, he charged security operatives to intensify their efforts to ensure the swift release of the remaining one hundred and fifteen students and their teachers still held captive by the abductors.
In a statement released on Monday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu assured concerned parents that the Federal Government is working hand in hand with Niger State authorities to reunite every abducted child with their loved ones. He emphasised that the government fully understands the depth of the families’ distress.
Tinubu explained that he had been thoroughly briefed on the operation that succeeded in bringing back one hundred children. He commended Governor Umar Bago and the security forces for their resilience and unwavering commitment since the attack on 21 November.
Reiterating his standing directive, the President declared that all abducted Nigerians must be rescued without exception. He insisted that every victim counts and that no community should be left bearing the scars of kidnapping without government intervention.
He further stressed the importance of enhancing security in schools across the country, saying that Nigeria must ensure pupils learn in safe and supportive environments. He warned that the continuous targeting of educational institutions undermines national development.
Tinubu lamented the continuous cycle of school abductions, stating that such incidents inflict severe psychological trauma on both children and their parents. He said it is unacceptable for young learners to remain vulnerable to terror groups determined to sabotage their futures.
The President urged security agencies and state governors to work more proactively to prevent further kidnappings. He insisted that Nigeria must move past the era where children are easy targets, adding that government at all levels bears a responsibility to protect the nation’s youth.
