Minister reacts to rescue of Papiri students, staff

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has on Sunday hailed security operatives for the rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger state terrorists.

Niger governor Umar Bago had about two weeks ago received the first batch of about 100 freed students through the office of the National Security Adviser, Mr Nuhu Ribadu.

The students were abducted on Nov. 21, while the first batch of about 100 students were rescued on Dec. 8, following sustained security operations.

The governor commended the NSA and other security agencies for their gallant efforts which led to the successful rescue mission.

Idris, in a statement on Sunday, Idris described the rescue of the remaining students as a reaffirmation “of our nation’s resolve to protect its people.”

He said, “As it is, the Federal Government can confirm that all the abducted pupils of the Catholic School, Papiri, numbering 230, have been freed. Not a single pupil is left in captivity.

“The just released 130 pupils are being handed over to the Niger State Government, after which they will be reunited with their families.

“This courageous effort by our security forces reaffirms our nation’s resolve to protect its people.”

He added that the Federal Government empathises with the parents and guardians of the pupils for the agony the abduction has caused them.

The minister wished them a pleasant family reunion, good healing process, compliments of the season, and a Merry Christmas.

Meanwhile, the Niger Police Command has also confirmed the release of the 130 abducted students and staff of St. Mary Catholic School, Papiri

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Minna.

Abiodun said that the remaining batch of the victims was released on Sunday, bringing an end to the ordeal of the abducted students and staff of the school.

He explained that a total of 130 victims, including staff members of the school, were released in the latest development.

The police spokesman assured the public that further developments on the matter would be communicated as necessary.

(NAN)