The Federal Government has accepted responsibility for the kidnapping of 265 students and teachers from St. Mary Catholic School in Papairi, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu stated this on Monday during a sympathy visit to the school, calling the incident a painful and heartbreaking moment for Nigeria.
“This is a very difficult moment for us, especially after listening to some of the parents,” Ribadu said. “We take responsibility because it is our duty to protect you.”
Ribadu delivered President Bola Tinubu’s message of support and sorrow, revealing that the President cancelled his travel plans to focus on the crisis. He assured parents that the government is intensifying efforts to rescue the abducted children safely.
According to Ribadu, Nigeria is receiving strong support from international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and other European countries. He said global cooperation is growing to help Nigeria defeat the insecurity that has troubled the country for nearly two decades.
“You are not alone,” he told the parents. “The whole world is coming together to stop and defeat this evil.”
Ribadu expressed confidence that the children would be rescued, urging Nigerians to unite against terrorism and criminal groups. He also promised stronger security in the region and said the government was prepared to take decisive action.
“Evil people will always exist, but what they have done will lead to changes that will make Nigeria safer,” he said.
During the visit, Ribadu praised Bishop Bulus Yohanna of the Kontagora Diocese for his courage and cooperation during the crisis. Bishop Yohanna thanked the President and the NSA for offering hope to the affected community.
Government officials also held a closed-door meeting where school authorities and parents narrated how the abduction occurred.
Ribadu was accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Bernard Doro; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi; and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern Nigeria), Rev. Joseph Hayab.
The kidnapping adds to the long list of security challenges facing northern Nigeria, as communities continue to grapple with attacks from armed groups, bandits, and insurgents.
