Ribadu Assures Safe Return of Abducted Niger Schoolchildren

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has assured parents and community leaders in Niger State that the abducted students of St. Mary Catholic Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, Agwara, will be rescued and returned home safely.

Ribadu gave the assurance on Monday during a sympathy visit to the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, The Very Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, and families of the kidnapped children.

He led a high-profile federal government delegation to the community following the attack.

“The children are where they are and will come back safely. God is with them and God is with us. Evil will never win. They are going to come back, I give you the assurance,” Ribadu said.

The NSA disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was “distressed and disturbed” by the abduction, revealing that the President had cancelled some official engagements to focus on the matter.

“Mr. President said I should thank you, Bishop Yohanna, for your understanding, patience and for giving us the right information. We are one,” he said.

Ribadu also revealed that Nigeria is receiving growing international support in its fight against insurgency and terrorism, listing the United States, France and the United Kingdom among countries offering assistance.

“Many good people from all over the world are coming to support us, including the United States of America. We appreciate everyone, especially the European countries like France, United Kingdom and a couple of others,” he stated.

He added that the global support reflects a renewed commitment to helping Nigeria defeat the terror threat that has persisted for nearly two decades.

“The whole world is coming together to stop and defeat this evil,” Ribadu said.

Ribadu condemned the attack on the school, describing it as a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against violent groups.

“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.

He urged residents not to allow criminals to sow division or fear among them.

“Enough is enough. We will not relent. We are all under attack. Let us not allow bad people to divide us; let us not allow evil to get into us,” he warned.

Bishop Yohanna expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the NSA, saying the visit brought renewed hope to families dealing with trauma and uncertainty.

He also presented a report to Ribadu before both men entered a closed-door meeting.

The school’s Principal, Reverend Sister Felicia Gyang, and a parent representative, Mr. Luka Iliya, narrated how the attack unfolded and the psychological impact on the community.

Ribadu was accompanied on the visit by top government officials, including the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Bernard Doro; Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi; and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria, Rev. Joseph Hayab.