*Gov Abiodun commends Tinubu
WorldStage– The Niger Police Command has confirmed the release of the remaining 130 abducted students and staff of St. Mary Catholic School, Papiri in Agwara Local Government Area of of Niger.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement said that the remaining batch of the victims was released on Sunday, bringing 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 police spokesman assured the public that further developments on the matter would be communicated as necessary.
The students were abducted on Nov. 21, while the first batch of about 100 students were rescued on Dec. 8, following sustained security operations.
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.
ABIODUN COMMENDS TINUBU
Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed delight over the release of the remaining 130 students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri community, Niger State, who were held in captivity by kidnappers.
The governor said the development, coming after the earlier release of 100 students this month, is a clear indication that evil forces will not prevail over Nigeria.
With the latest release, a total of 230 abducted students have now regained their freedom.
Abiodun noted that the successful rescue of the students fulfils President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge to ensure their safe release without harm and facilitate their reunion with their families.
Commending the President for the security measures put in place across the country, the governor said the sustained release of abducted persons has helped to restore public confidence in governance and national security.
He cited the rescue of 24 abductees in Kebbi State, 100 students from a Catholic school in Niger State, and Christian worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State, as evidence of the administration’s capacity to confront Nigeria’s security challenges head-on.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday, Abiodun described it as heartwarming that the students and their parents would be able to celebrate the Yuletide season together after such a traumatic experience.
He also urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abductions are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
He said: “I am extremely delighted to learn that the remaining 130 students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri community, Niger State, who were hitherto in captivity, have been released.
“The students, their parents, the Papiri community and the Niger State Government have all been through a lot, and I rejoice with them in this moment of triumph over the forces of darkness who seized innocent students from their hostels and teachers from the school premises.
“If this incident shows anything, it is the commitment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to a safe, secure and prosperous Nigeria. The President deserves our collective prayers, support and encouragement.
“The President is determined to tackle the upsurge in kidnapping and terrorist attacks and restore sanity to our society. This will, in turn, rebuild confidence among Nigerians and the international community and pave the way for sustainable development.
“The security agencies deserve commendation for this achievement. I also urge them to ensure that the terrorists behind these attacks on innocent and law-abiding Nigerians are tracked down and prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law.”
