The Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris has described the rescue of the remaining abducted pupils and staff of St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, as a reaffirmation of the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Minister Idris confirmed that all 230 pupils abducted from the school had been freed.
He said, “As it is, the Federal Government can confirm that all the abducted pupils of the Catholic School, Papiri, numbering 230, have been freed. Not a single pupil is left in captivity.
“The just released 130 pupils are being handed over to the Niger State Government, after which they will be reunited with their families.
“This courageous effort by our security forces reaffirms our nation’s resolve to protect its people.”
The minister said the Federal Government empathised with the parents and guardians of the pupils over the distress caused by the abduction.
He wished them a peaceful reunion, a good healing process, compliments of the season and a Merry Christmas.
The pupils were abducted on November 21.
A first batch of about 100 students was rescued on December 8 after security operations and received by Niger State Governor Umar Bago through the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The Niger State Police Command has also confirmed the release of the remaining victims.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said 130 students and staff were released on Sunday, bringing the incident to an end.
He added that further developments would be communicated as necessary.
