TUC commends Tinubu, security agencies over Niger school rescue

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has praised President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for the release of the remaining pupils abducted from a boarding school in Niger State, calling it a “huge relief” for families and the nation.

TUC President Festus Osifo, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, lauded the efforts of security operatives who brought weeks of anguish to an end.

“First, I thank our security personnel for this breaking news.  For us, we are quite elated and happy because as parents, when your children go to school and do not return home, I wonder if any of those fathers and mothers were able to sleep in the last month,” Osifo said.

He further commended the coordinated efforts of agencies led by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Defence. “So, we thank the security outfit… for coming to the rescue of those children,” he added.

While welcoming the release, Osifo urged the government to take decisive action to prevent future abductions. “We wish to encourage the government that, moving forward, this kind of thing should never repeat itself. This kind of trauma should never happen again,” he said, noting that repeated attacks were discouraging school attendance nationwide.

The students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Rafi LGA, were freed on Sunday, ending the aftermath of the November 21 raid. Special Adviser to the President, Sunday Dare, confirmed that 130 pupils had regained their freedom.

The abduction, carried out by armed gunmen in the early hours, involved moving victims from dormitories into nearby forests, sparking national outrage and fears for school safety. In response, President Tinubu launched a major security operation, personally overseeing efforts and temporarily closing schools in high-risk areas.