By Joseph Erunke

Kontagora, Niger State – National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday visited Kontagora to meet distressed parents and church authorities following the abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s Private Catholic School, Papiri, assuring them that the Federal Government is committed to the swift and safe return of the children.

At St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Ribadu conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of sympathy and determination, noting that security agencies are intensifying coordinated operations to rescue the abducted pupils.

“This is a painful period for all of us,” Ribadu said after listening to emotional accounts from parents. “But I want to assure you: we will rescue your children. The President is deeply concerned and has directed that everything necessary must be done.”

He revealed that President Tinubu had cancelled official engagements, including a planned trip, to focus on the crisis and emphasized that the Federal Government is taking full responsibility for enhancing security in the area.

Ribadu was accompanied by Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi; and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern Region), Joseph Hayab. He assured that ongoing operations would continue relentlessly until all the children are safely returned.

Commending Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna for his courage and leadership, Ribadu disclosed that Nigeria is receiving technical intelligence and operational support from international allies, including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom.

“The whole world stands with us. This evil will not prevail. Your children will come back safely. That is our solemn promise,” he vowed.

Earlier, Bishop Yohanna expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the high-level visit, saying it had rekindled hope among grieving families. A closed-door session followed, during which church authorities submitted detailed accounts of the attack, while parents and school representatives recounted the abduction’s circumstances and the emotional toll on the community.