The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has praised President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for securing the release of the remaining students abducted from a boarding school in Niger State, describing the development as a significant relief for parents and the nation.
TUC President Festus Osifo made the commendation on Sunday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, following confirmation that all students held captive had been freed.
Osifo, who also serves as President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), expressed gratitude to security operatives for ending weeks of anxiety and fear experienced by families.
“First, I thank our security personnel for this breaking news. As parents, sending your children to school and not seeing them return is heart-wrenching. I wonder how the fathers and mothers coped in the past month,” he said.
He highlighted the coordination of security agencies, noting that their efforts restored hope and brought immense relief to the affected families.
“We sincerely appreciate the teams led by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Defence for rescuing these children,” Osifo added.
While welcoming the release, the labour leader called on the Federal Government to implement lasting measures to prevent future school abductions, warning that repeated attacks discourage attendance and increase fear nationwide.
“We must establish effective systems to ensure that incidents like those in Chibok, Dapchi, Kebbi, and now Niger do not recur,” he stated.
The remaining pupils and teachers kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, were freed on Sunday, ending the November 21 abduction.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, confirmed that 130 pupils had been released, stating on X: “Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released. None left in captivity.”
The early-morning abduction, which occurred around 2:00 a.m., had sparked nationwide outrage and heightened concerns over school security, prompting President Tinubu to launch a comprehensive security operation across Niger and neighbouring states.
