Dare Babalola
The Federal Government has announced the rescue of the remaining 130 pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, describing the development as a major relief for the nation and the affected families.
This was contained in a press statement issued on Sunday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Idris said the release of the remaining batch of the victims has brought an end to the ordeal of the abducted students and staff of the school.
He explained that a total of 130 victims, including staff members of the school, were released in the latest development.
“The rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, marks a fitting end to the year,” he said.
According to the minister, the freed pupils are being handed over to the Niger State Government ahead of reunification with their families.
“The just released 130 pupils are being handed over to the Niger state government, after which they will be reunited with their families.
“As it is, the Federal Government can confirm that all the abducted pupils of the Catholic School, Papiri, numbering 230, have been freed. Not a single pupil is left in captivity,” he said.
Also, the Police Public Relations Officer in Niger State, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Minna.
The police spokesman assured the public that further developments on the matter would be communicated as necessary.
Recall that the students were abducted on Nov. 21, while the first batch of about 100 students was rescued on Dec. 8, following sustained security operations.
Also, Gov. Umar Bago had received the first batch of about 100 freed students through the office of the National Security Adviser, Mr Nuhu Ribadu.
The governor commended the NSA and other security agencies for their gallant efforts, which led to the successful rescue mission.
