,,,Bago Welcomes Them to Niger Government House.
By Correspondent in Minna.
(C) Channels TV.
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has received the 100 abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, following their release secured by the Federal Government.
Our Correspondent reports that the children, conveyed in separate buses, arrived at the Niger State Government House at about 5:20 p.m., where Governor Bago and top state officials were on hand to welcome them.
Their formal handover to the Niger State Government took place on Monday, December 8, 2025, and was conducted by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, was represented at the ceremony by Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong.
The students were handed over to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago by Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong who represented the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Monday evening at Government House, Minna.
Nuhu said the entire Nigeria’s security agencies have been working assiduously to ensure their rescue and safe return since the invasion of the school and abduction of the staff and students.
To avoid a repeat of such attacks that have caused national embarrassment and global condemnation, Ribadu assured of plans to come up with policies that will protect the rights of every Nigerian child, especially children of school age is safe wherever they are as he reiterated unwavering commitments of security agencies to come up with measures to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria and her entire citizens.
Receiving the 100 children, Governor Bago who was thanked President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu for prompt actions that led to successful rescue and return of the children.
The Governor who assured that the rest students still in captivity will be rescued as soon as possible and to be reunited with their parents, called for more prayers from Nigerians.
The Governor who was visibly worried looking at the ages of the victims prayed that never again should such incident occur again in the state.
“Today is fundamental in redefining the history of Niger state, am emotionally broken down due to the ages and size of the children”, Governor Bago said as he directed health officials to examine the health status of the pupils,to ensure they are healthy for onward return to their parents.
The Governor,however,added that the state government is not alone in the efforts to rescue the pupils but in collaboration with the CAN, UNICEF and other relevant agencies.
Our correspondent reports that the return of the pupils drew the attention of large crowd at the banquet hall, Government House,Minna where most of the people could not control their tears of joy weeping for their safe return.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
