Parents of the remaining 165 abducted pupils, students and staff of St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State, have expressed anguish over their children’s continued captivity. While 100 victims were rescued and handed over by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to the Niger State Government last week, families of those still held by bandits said they remain uncertain about their fate.
Agwara LGA chairman, Iliyasu Zakari, said efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims. “We will not rest until every remaining child and staff member are returned home safely,” he said during the handover to the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora.
The Bishop, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed the release, saying, “We give all glory to Almighty God” for the rescue of 100 out of 265 abducted persons.
Parents of those still in captivity described harsh conditions relayed by the freed children. Dauda Shekula said the abductees “were sleeping on a swampy terrain… drinking water from the mud and eating only tuwo and miyan kuka once a day.”
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago assured families that the remaining children would be rescued soon, urging patience as security efforts continue.