The remaining 130 students of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri community in Niger State, abducted by bandits, have been released.
The students were conveyed in several vehicles to Wawa, Niger State, on Sunday night. They are expected to undergo medical examinations before being moved to either Minna or Abuja.
Their release comes two weeks after 100 students from the same school were freed, bringing the total number of students released to 230.
Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, confirmed the development on Sunday, describing it as a victory over criminal elements and a reassurance that insecurity will not triumph in Nigeria.
Abiodun said the successful release of the students fulfils President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge to ensure their safe return without harm and facilitate their reunion with their families.
He commended the President for the security measures implemented nationwide, noting that the sustained release of abducted persons has contributed to restoring public confidence in governance and national security.
The governor cited the rescue of 24 abductees in Kebbi State, the release of 100 students from a Catholic school in Niger State, and the freedom of Christian worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State, as indicators of the administration’s resolve to confront Nigeria’s security challenges.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta, Abiodun described the students’ release as heartwarming, noting that the victims and their families would now be able to celebrate the Yuletide season together after enduring a traumatic ordeal.
He also urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abductions are apprehended and prosecuted.
“I am extremely delighted to learn that the remaining 130 students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri community, Niger State, who were hitherto in captivity, have been released,” Abiodun said.
“The students, their parents, the Papiri community and the Niger State Government have all been through a lot, and I rejoice with them in this moment of triumph over the forces of darkness who seized innocent students from their hostels and teachers from the school premises.
“If this incident shows anything, it is the commitment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to a safe, secure and prosperous Nigeria. The President deserves our collective prayers, support and encouragement.
“The President is determined to tackle the upsurge in kidnapping and terrorist attacks and restore sanity to our society. This will, in turn, rebuild confidence among Nigerians and the international community and pave the way for sustainable development.
“The security agencies deserve commendation for this achievement. I also urge them to ensure that the terrorists behind these attacks on innocent and law-abiding Nigerians are tracked down and prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law.”
