National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Monday gave firm assurance that the remaining pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, are in good condition and will soon be reunited with their families.
The NSA spoke during a solidarity visit to the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, days after gunmen stormed the school on November 21 and took away 315 persons – 303 students and 12 teachers. Fifty students have since escaped.
Ribadu told the bishop: “The children are doing fine and will be back soon.”
He continued: “This is a very solemn and difficult moment for us… we take responsibility because it is our duty to protect you.”
Describing President Bola Tinubu’s reaction, the NSA said: “Mr. President is in pain; he is in sorrow just like all of us. He stopped everything he was doing… he suspended his journey.”
Ribadu issued a stern warning to the attackers, declaring: “Enough is enough… Let us not allow bad people to divide us.”
He revealed that Nigeria is receiving international support, adding: “Many good people from all over the world are coming to support us, including the United States of America, France, the United Kingdom and others.”
Bishop Yohanna had earlier thanked President Tinubu for his concern before both men held a 30-minute closed-door meeting.