National Security Adviser to the Nigerian President, Nuhu Ribadu has assured that the over 250 primary and secondary school children and some of their teachers kidnapped recently, in Niger state, will be released unhurt, disclosing that Nigeria is now receiving international support in its fight against insecurity ..
He spoke when he led a federal government delegation on a sympathy visit to the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, The Most Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna and parents of the students of St. Mary’s Catholic Nursery Primary/Secondary School in Agwara local government area of Niger state on Monday
Expressing the hope that Nigeria will overcome the terrorists, Ribadu said, “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.
“The whole world is coming together to stop and defeat this evil which has been going on in Nigeria for two decades,” he said.
Bishop Yohanna(L) and Ribadiu( R) during the visit
The NSA said President Tinubu was distressed and disturbed by the kidnap of the children and some of their teachers resulting in canceling some of his official engagements to attend to the problem.
“Mr. President said I should thank you, Bishop Yohanna for your understanding and patience and for giving us the right information and standing by for us. We are one,” he said.
He assured that the school will survive and the children will return safely because tbey 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.
“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.
“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.
In his remarks, Bishop Yohanna thanked President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser for coming to give hope to the parents before presenting copies of a report to the NSA after which they went into a closed-door meeting that lasted for about 30 minutes.
The Principal of the school, Reverend Sister Felicia Gyang, and a representative of the parents, Luka Iliya, narrated how the incident happened and their current states of mind.
The national security adviser 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 Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern Nigeria, Rev. Joseph Hayab
