National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has visited Kontagora in Niger State to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the recent kidnapping of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
Ribadu was joined by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Dodo, and the Director of the Department of State Services. The delegation held a closed-door meeting with the school proprietor, Most Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, and the school’s principal, Mrs. Cecilia Gwan, who briefed them on developments and submitted formal reports about the abduction.
He also met with some of the parents of the missing students at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Kontagora, reassuring them that their children would be safely recovered soon.
During the visit, Ribadu reportedly said that “the children are doing fine and will be back soon.”
In a statement issued by the diocese, he added, “This is a painful and difficult moment for all of us, especially after listening to the parents. But we take full responsibility because your safety is our duty.”
According to him, President Bola Tinubu ordered the visit, placing everything on hold—including a planned foreign trip—following the abduction. “Mr. President is deeply pained; he is grieving with you,” Ribadu said.
He stressed that the government would no longer tolerate the activities of criminal groups terrorizing communities. “Enough is enough. We will continue to push back. We are all under attack, and we must not allow these evil forces to divide us,” he declared.
Ribadu added that the international community is throwing its weight behind Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and banditry. “We are receiving support from across the world, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and several others. The global community is united with us in putting an end to this evil that has plagued Nigeria for nearly two decades,” he said.
The attack on November 21 saw armed men invade the school and abduct 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State later announced that 50 of the abducted students had escaped from captivity.
Why do you think the remaining students are yet to be rescued? And do you believe Nigeria’s security setup is strong enough to confront kidnappings and other forms of insecurity? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
