In a heartwarming turn of events, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago received the last batch of 130 students and staff who were kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Agwara Local Government Area. The release marks a significant victory in a case that began with the abduction of over 300 individuals in November.
At a reception at the Government House in Minna, Governor Bago expressed relief that the young victims are finally safe, acknowledging the joint efforts of security agencies that facilitated their release. He extended gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, and other stakeholders who played pivotal roles in securing the victims’ freedom.
The National Coordinator of the Counter-Terrorism Centre, Major-General Adamu Laka, highlighted that the successful rescue operation was a result of President Tinubu’s directive, which prompted coordinated efforts among various security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).
The abduction occurred on November 21 when gunmen stormed the school, overpowering security and taking over 300 children, teachers, and staff members. The attackers, reportedly arriving on more than 60 motorcycles, shot and injured the school’s gatekeeper during the assault.
Governor Bago stated that the rescued victims will undergo medical examinations before being reunited with their families, marking the end of a distressing chapter for the community and a call for renewed commitment to ensuring the safety of children and educational institutions across the nation.
