The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described the rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, as a befitting end to the year and a moment of triumph and relief for Nigeria.
In a statement, the Information Minister noted that: “As it is, the Federal Government can confirm that all the abducted pupils of the Catholic School, Papiri, numbering 230, have been freed. Not a single pupil is left in captivity”.
According to him, the just-released 130 pupils are being handed over to the Niger State Government, after which they will be reunited with their families.
He stressed that: “This courageous effort by our security forces reaffirms our nation’s resolve to protect its people”.
Idris further expressed the Federal Government’s empathy with the parents and guardians of the pupils for the agony the abduction has caused them, wished them a pleasant family reunion, a smooth healing process, compliments of the season, and a Merry Christmas.