ABUJA, Dec. 9 — Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed on Monday that at least 100 schoolchildren have been rescued from suspected terrorists who attacked a school in Niger State last month, kidnapping hundreds of students and teachers.
A statement issued by the president said Tinubu has instructed local security agencies to continue efforts to rescue other victims still in captivity following the Nov. 21 attack in the state’s Papiri area.
Earlier, security forces had rescued at least 51 out of the 315 students and teachers who were kidnapped in the attack, a few days after the incident.
“I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident,” Tinubu said.
The president reassured parents that the government will continue efforts to reunite all the kidnapped students with their families.
He also stated that he has directed security forces to rescue all remaining abducted students and other Nigerians across the country and bring them home safely.
He said all victims must be accounted for, and the Nigerian government will continue to work to secure schools and create a safer and more conducive learning environment for young people.
Tinubu further instructed that from now on, security agencies, in collaboration with governors across all 36 states, must take preventive measures to stop future kidnappings.
“Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists’ intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma,” he added. (Namibia Daily News/Xinhua)
