Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the successful rescue of the remaining abducted students of St. Mary’s Catholic School located in the Papiri community of Niger State. The governor described the release as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government to confront the persistent challenges of kidnapping and insurgency across the country. According to him, the outcome reflects a clear demonstration of leadership resolve and the effectiveness of coordinated security interventions. The latest rescue operation led to the safe release of 130 students who had remained in captivity following their abduction. This development comes shortly after an earlier operation this month secured the freedom of 100 students from the same incident. With the recent release, a total of 230 students have now been rescued, bringing relief to families, school authorities, and concerned Nigerians nationwide. Governor Abiodun noted that the successful outcome sends a strong signal that criminal elements threatening national peace and security will not prevail. He emphasized that the development reinforces public confidence in the capacity of the Tinubu administration to respond decisively to security threats, particularly those targeting vulnerable groups such as schoolchildren. The Ogun State governor further stated that the rescue effort underscores the importance of intelligence-driven operations, collaboration among security agencies, and sustained political will. He added that the federal government’s approach demonstrates that decisive action, when consistently applied, can yield tangible results in safeguarding lives and restoring public trust. He also expressed optimism that the victory recorded in the Papiri students’ release would serve as a morale booster for security personnel across the country. According to him, it is a reminder that persistent commitment to national security can gradually weaken the grip of criminal networks operating within Nigeria. Governor Abiodun concluded by reaffirming his belief that the nation will overcome the challenges posed by kidnapping and insurgency. He stressed that the recent development is evidence that forces of violence and lawlessness will not overpower Nigeria’s collective resolve for peace, stability, and safety.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State branch, has officially verified a disturbing mass abduction involving staff and students of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools located in Papiri, Niger State. According to the statement released by the CAN chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, a total of 227 individuals were taken during the attack. Most Rev. Yohanna, who also serves as the Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, disclosed this information through a written announcement shared by his media aide, Mr. Dan Atori, in Minna. The breakdown of the kidnapped individuals shows that 215 students and pupils, along with 12 teachers, were among those seized by the armed attackers. The confirmation highlights yet another troubling incident in Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, especially in communities that have faced repeated episodes of school-targeted abductions. This development has intensified calls for stronger protection of educational institutions and more effective security interventions to safeguard vulnerable communities. The emotional impact on affected families, students, and educators remains deeply profound, and many Nigerians continue to hope for swift rescue efforts. Security agencies and community leaders have been urged to collaborate toward securing the immediate release of the abducted individuals.
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Tension deepened in Niger State on Friday after terrorists abducted 215 pupils and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, a quiet community in the Agwara Local Government Area. The shocking incident has triggered widespread fear, heightened security concerns, and renewed conversations about the growing wave of violence targeting educational institutions across Nigeria. According to early reports, the armed group stormed the school during the early hours of the morning, overwhelming the area and capturing a large number of schoolchildren alongside members of the teaching staff. Witnesses recounted moments of chaos as the attackers invaded the premises, forcing students and educators away from their classrooms and into the surrounding bushes before disappearing with them. LMSINT MEDIA had earlier revealed that the heavily armed militants carried out the assault with ruthless precision, leaving residents traumatised and unsure of the safety of their loved ones. The kidnapping adds to the disturbing pattern of school abductions that has plagued several northern communities, pushing families and local authorities into deeper distress. The growing frequency of these attacks highlights the urgent need for enhanced security strategies and stronger coordination between local vigilante groups and national security agencies. Many communities continue to battle fear, especially as some parents are still uncertain about the fate of their children. Meanwhile, advocacy groups and global organisations continue to warn that increasing attacks on schools violate children’s rights and undermine the mission of providing quality education across conflict-affected regions. The government is being urged to intensify rescue operations and implement long-term security reforms to protect vulnerable communities from future threats.
