National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu paid a visit to the Kontagora Catholic Diocese, where he met with Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna and families affected by the abduction of pupils and staff of St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri. Ribadu assured the congregation that the abducted children were alive and in stable condition, adding that efforts to bring them home had intensified.
He explained that the rescue operation had expanded beyond local security agencies, with several European countries and the United States now providing technical assistance. Ribadu conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s concerns, noting that the president halted his scheduled activities, including an overseas trip, to focus fully on the situation. He told the gathering that the government accepted responsibility for protecting citizens and would not rest until the children returned safely.
Ribadu urged the community to reject fear and division, stressing that the attackers aimed to destabilize the country. He said the government would not allow such groups to succeed, insisting that “enough is enough” and that stronger, more coordinated responses were already underway.
He was accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro; the DSS Director General, Oluwatosin Ajayi; and the Northern CAN Chairman, Rev Joseph Hayab. Ribadu thanked Bishop Yohanna for his patience and cooperation, especially during moments of tension and misinformation. He acknowledged the growing international support, saying many nations had shown readiness to help Nigeria end the cycle of violence that had lasted nearly two decades.
Bishop Yohanna expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the NSA for coming personally to encourage the community. He presented a comprehensive report of the incident before both men went into a brief closed-door session.
Rev Sister Felicia Gyang, the school principal, and Luka Iliya, representing the parents, recounted how the abduction occurred and described the emotional strain families had endured since the attack.
