Release Of All Abducted Papiri Pupils And Staff: A Note Of Gratitude To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
It is with a heart full of immense gratitude that I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his exceptional leadership in ensuring the release of all pupils, teachers, and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community, Niger State, who were kidnapped in the wee hours of November 21, 2025, in their boarding facility at Agwara Local Government Area in Borgu Emirate of Niger State.
While about 50 of the pupils abducted earlier escaped from captivity, and a batch of 100 were released by the abductors on December 7, 2025, freedom for the remaining 130 only a few days ago, means that the harrowing weeks of anxiety, uncertainty, and grief have come to a happy ending, as those released are now being reunited with their families.
For me, this mass abduction incident has been a most touching experience with personal linkages that occasioned sleepless nights in joining with others in the quest for a positive outcome of the efforts to secure freedom for the kidnapped victims. Besides the fact that Papiri community is one of the Districts of Borgu Kingdom, our heritage, and several of the families and relatives impacted by the kidnapping saga looked to prominent citizens of Niger State for resolution.
Once again, I am grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his quiet but firm insistence on the deployment of assets to ensure freedom for the abductees. I am equally thankful to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his superb coordinating role. To my Leader and Brother Farmer Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, I want to say Bravo for your courage and tireless efforts in rallying the needed support that brought the kidnap saga to a most welcome close.
Many lessons abound in this latest incident of mass abduction. The resolution is gratifying, because it signals yet again the determination of Mr President to ensure the security and safety of Nigerians wherever they may be. In doing so, Mr President’s determination calls for continued public support to rid our communities and the country at large of intransigent elements who disturb the peace and foment mayhem.
Our vigilance as a people and cooperation with the security establishment are vital to a safer and more secure environment. Similarly, I also call on all Nigerlites to rally round the robust and courageous leadership of our Farmer Governor as he works to actualize the new Niger of our collective dream.
While the freed abductees, their families, and relatives, recover steadily from the month-long ordeal, I would like to wish them a truly Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance.
Signed:
Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON
(Baraden Borgu)
Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security
