“Your children are doing fine and will be back soon,’ NSA Ribadu tells parents of kidnapped pupils
During the meeting, Ribadu told parents that “the children are doing fine and will be back soon”, stressing that federal security efforts had been heightened to ensure their safe return.
National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has assured parents of the over 300 kidnapped pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic primary and secondary school in Niger State that the children “are doing fine and will be back soon,” as federal authorities intensify efforts to secure their release.
The pupils and staff members were abducted on Friday, November 21, in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State.
Ribadu gave the reassurance on Monday during a meeting with the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, parents of the victims, and officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora.
He was accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Bernard Doro, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, and CAN Northern Nigeria Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab.
During the meeting, Ribadu told parents that “the children are doing fine and will be back soon”, stressing that federal security efforts had been heightened to ensure their safe return.
According to Daniel Atori, Media Aide to the Bishop, the assurance brought relief to many parents, though others remained cautious until their children are reunited with them.
Addressing the congregation, Ribadu said, “This is a very solemn and difficult moment for us, especially after hearing from some of the parents and all of you. However, we take responsibility because it is our duty to protect you.”
He added that his visit was at the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This is a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that we must come and visit you. Mr. President is in pain,” he said.
“He is in sorrow just like all of us. He stopped everything he was doing and he was supposed to travel but he suspended his journey.”
Ribadu urged Nigerians to unite in confronting insecurity, saying, “Enough is enough, we will not relent in our efforts, we are all under attack. Let us not allow bad people to divide us, let us not allow evil to get into us.”
He also praised Bishop Yohanna’s resilience, adding, “You are not alone, I can assure you, we are together in this.”
Reinforcing his earlier assurance, Ribadu told parents: “The children are where they are and will come back safely”.
He added, “God is with them and God is with us. Evil will never win. They are going to come back; I give you assurance.”
He also disclosed that international partners were supporting Nigeria’s efforts.
“Many good people from all over the world are coming to support us, including the United States of America. We appreciate everyone, especially European countries like France, the United Kingdom and a couple of others,” he said, noting that “the whole world is coming together to stop and defeat this evil which has been going on in Nigeria for two decades.”
The NSA concluded by pledging a stronger security presence in the affected communities.
“We will provide security in that axis. You will see our reactions and responses now. One thing I know is that evil people will always be around but this thing they have done is what will change Nigeria for good,” he said.
However, despite Ribadu’s assurances, CAN leaders at the meeting expressed deep reservations about the state government’s handling of the crisis.
A source at the meeting told SaharaReporters that the association accused Governor Umar Bago of failing to respond adequately.
“CAN leadership expressed lack of confidence on the governor to rescue the pupils,” the source said. “CAN also said he ignored them, dismissed their plight and counters everything they say.” SAHARAREPORTERS
