NSA visits Catholic diocese in Kontagora
Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has provided a crucial update on the condition of the pupils and staff abducted from the St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School.
The school, located in Papiri, Agwarra local government area of Niger State, was attacked by armed men on November 21, leading to a mass abduction. The NSA confirmed that the kidnapped individuals are in good condition and will soon be reunited with their families.
Ribadu delivered this reassuring news during a solidarity visit to Bulus Yohanna, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora diocese. The visit provided a vital link between the government and the deeply distressed religious community. The original attack resulted in the abduction of an estimated 315 people, comprising 303 students and 12 teachers.
Government takes responsibility for protection failure
During his meeting, the NSA was quoted by the diocese as making a solemn pledge of responsibility to the victims’ families. Ribadu reportedly stated that “the children are doing fine and will be back soon,” offering hope to the anxious parents and the church community. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation, describing it as a “very solemn and difficult moment for us.”
Significantly, the NSA took institutional responsibility for the security lapse, stating: “we take responsibility because it is our duty to protect you.” This rare admission from a high-ranking official underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government views the kidnapping epidemic. Before their half-hour closed-door meeting, Bishop Yohanna had presented comprehensive reports to the NSA, thanking President Tinubu for his intervention.
President Tinubu deeply concerned over the incident
Ribadu conveyed the deep distress and concern felt by President Bola Tinubu over the tragic abduction. The NSA revealed that the President is “in pain” and “in sorrow” just like all Nigerians over the incident. He further emphasized the seriousness with which the matter was treated at the highest level of government.
The President, according to Ribadu, “stopped everything he was doing… he suspended his journey” to focus on the crisis immediately after the incident. This presidential attention reflects the government’s understanding of the abduction’s implications for national security and the protection of educational institutions. Ribadu stressed the government’s determination to demonstrate that such criminal acts will no longer be tolerated in the country.
Warning to criminals and international support highlighted
The National Security Adviser issued a stern warning to those responsible for the criminal attacks, declaring that “Enough is enough.” He cautioned the populace against allowing “bad people to divide us,” a clear reference to the ethnic and religious undertones that can sometimes be exploited in these crises. Ribadu’s message was one of unity and resolve against those seeking to sow discord through violence.
Furthermore, the NSA noted that Nigeria is receiving significant support from its international partners in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry. He specifically mentioned that countries like the United States of America, France, and the United Kingdom are providing assistance. This international collaboration is a crucial component of the government’s strategy to enhance security capabilities and secure the release of all abducted citizens.
Successful escape of some of the abducted students
While the security agencies continue to work towards the release of the remaining captives, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State confirmed some positive news earlier. The religious body reported that approximately 50 of the abducted students had managed to escape from their captors. These escapes offer a small measure of relief and provide valuable intelligence to the security forces dedicated to rescuing the remaining students and teachers. The collective efforts, both domestic and international, continue to focus intensely on ensuring the safe and swift return of all those still held captive.
