The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has conveyed the party’s solidarity with the government and people of Niger State following the abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area. The attack, which has deepened national concerns over rising insecurity, has drawn widespread condemnation across political and civil society circles.
Yilwatda led members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) on a sympathy visit to Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago at the Government House in Minna on Wednesday. The visit, he said, was to demonstrate empathy and support as the state battles yet another disturbing incident targeting schoolchildren.
Expressing deep concern, the APC national chairman described the rising cases of kidnapping across the country as both alarming and emotionally draining. He noted that the frequency of such attacks, especially those involving school pupils, had become a grave source of national distress requiring coordinated and urgent action.
“Our hearts are heavy, and we stand in solidarity with the government and people of the state in this moment of grief,” Yilwatda stated, stressing that the safety of children must remain a non-negotiable priority for both government and security agencies.
He commended the efforts of security operatives involved in the search-and-rescue operations, noting that the directives issued by President Bola Tinubu were already yielding positive signals. He prayed for the safe, swift recovery of the abducted pupils and comfort for their worried families.
Yilwatda also praised Governor Umaru-Bago for his developmental initiatives, acknowledging his commitment to infrastructural growth and social harmony. He emphasised that promoting religious tolerance, as done in Niger State, was crucial in fostering unity, especially at a time when insecurity threatens national cohesion.
In his response, Governor Umaru-Bago expressed profound appreciation to the APC national chairman and the NWC delegation for the visit. He described their presence as a strong reflection of unity, compassion, and brotherhood within the party, particularly in difficult moments such as this.
The governor urged continuous prayers for the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and for lasting peace across the state and the country. He reassured the delegation that his administration remained committed to collaborating with security agencies and community leaders to restore safety.
Umaru-Bago reiterated that Niger State will continue to uphold religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, noting that the state draws significant strength from its diversity. He stressed that unity among citizens was essential to overcoming the security challenges confronting the state.
As rescue efforts continue, the governor renewed his appeal for national support, expressing optimism that the pupils will be reunited with their families soon and that the state will emerge stronger from the ordeal.
