All schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School have been vowed to return home, according to the governor of Niger State, Kayode Egbetokun, who described the incident as one of the most agonizing security breaches in recent memory.
Egbetokun expressed concern about the security situation in Niger State, calling it a hotspot for attacks, displacement, and growing bravery of criminal organizations, and expressed concern for it as the security situation is getting worse.
The IGP made the warning that Nigeria is currently experiencing “a deeply troubling security moment” while visiting the state, stressing that only a coordinated, united response from the government, security organizations, traditional leaders, and community networks can turn things around.
One of the most heartbreaking tragedies in recent memory was the abduction of students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
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He praised the escape and reunion of 50 pupils with their families, but he also said the nation’s conscience is weigh “very much” with the responsibility to rescue the remaining victims.
According to Egbetokun, “We have expanded our intelligence platforms, deployed additional tactical assets, and provided all necessary security to ensure the remaining pupils and their teachers are rescued without harm.”
He also expressed his gratitude to Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, who continues to support the police, and how he sees him as a strong force in the fight against insecurity.
He vowed that the police would block criminal organizations from advanceing their agenda, particularly attacks against schoolchildren, which he described as “acts of terrorism designed to deny children their right to education.”
No Life Must Be Lost, says the statement.
Governor Bago responded by saying that the government of Niger State was still fully committed to supporting security operations.
He noted that it is still unclear how many pupils are missing, but that preparations were being made to gather precise information.
He claims that the Department of State Services (DSS) has set up a registration desk for parents of missing children. Only 14 parents had officially registered as of Sunday, but more are anticipated.
Bago acknowledged conflicting figures from security organizations, the church, the Ministry of Education, and the school, but emphasized that protecting every child is more important than distributing blame.
There are too many missing children, even one. He declared, “We will do everything in our power to recover them.”
He continued, noting that the IGP’s tactical and intelligence units are already progressing and hopeful of additional recoveries. Bago pleaded with Nigerians to put politics aside and fight for the country’s future, calling for unity, prayers, and calm.
Our country’s sovereignty is in danger. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his assistance in the state’s security efforts and said, “This is a time to work together and save our country.”
Abduction
On Friday, terrorists descended on Agwara Local Government Area’s St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, killing more than 300 students.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) reported that 315 people had been abducted, compared to the initial estimates of 227.
Additionally, CAN revealed on Sunday that 50 of the kidnapped children escaped between Friday and Saturday and have since reunited with their families.
President Bola Tinubu has in place a total security cordon over the forests in Kwara State in response to recent attacks and kidnappings.
Source: Channels TV
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