Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), says the pupils and staff kidnapped from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra local government of Niger State are in good condition and will soon be reunited with their families.
Armed men attacked the school on November 21 and abducted 315 people, which comprise of 303 students and 12 teachers.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State later said 50 of the abducted students had escaped.
During a solidarity visit to Bulus Yohanna, the Catholic bishop of Kontagora diocese, Ribadu reportedly said “the children are doing fine and will be back soon.”
The diocese also quoted him saying: “This is a very solemn and difficult moment for us… we take responsibility because it is our duty to protect you.”
Ribadu added that President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned, saying: “Mr. President is in pain; he is in sorrow just like all of us. He stopped everything he was doing… he suspended his journey.”
He warned that the government will no longer tolerate criminal attacks on Nigerians.
“Enough is enough… Let us not allow bad people to divide us,” he said.
Ribadu also noted that international partners are supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and banditry.
“Many good people from all over the world are coming to support us, including the United States of America, France, the United Kingdom and others,” he added.
Earlier, Bishop Yohanna thanked President Tinubu and presented reports to the NSA before they entered a 30-minute closed-door meeting.