By Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Nigeria’s security agencies for securing the release of 100 students abducted from Papiri Catholic School in Niger State, while issuing a fresh directive for the immediate rescue of the remaining 115 students and their teachers still held by their captors.
In a statement released on Monday, the President expressed relief following the safe return of the first batch of students, praising Governor Umar Bago and the security operatives whose coordinated efforts led to the breakthrough after the November 21 mass abduction.
“I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families,” Tinubu said.
Reiterating his stance that no victim of abduction must be left behind, the President assured parents and guardians that the Federal Government and Niger State authorities are working in lockstep to bring the remaining students home.
“My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims,” he stated.
Tinubu further emphasised that securing Nigeria’s schools must now be elevated to a national priority. He tasked security agencies to collaborate more closely with state governments to prevent future attacks on educational institutions.
“From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education,” the President declared.