National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has assured families of the 315 abducted pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger state, that “the children are doing fine and will be back soon,” following the November 21 attack in which armed men kidnapped 303 students and 12 teachers.
Speaking during a solidarity visit to Bishop Bulus Yohanna, Ribadu said the government takes full responsibility, adding that “Mr. President is in pain; he is in sorrow just like all of us,” and had suspended travel to focus on the crisis. He vowed that the government will no longer tolerate criminality, declaring “enough is enough,” while noting that international partners, including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, are supporting Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
The visit ended with a closed-door meeting after Yohanna presented a report to the NSA.