By Our Reporter
Thirty-eight worshippers kidnapped last week from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, Kwara State, have been rescued following days of coordinated security operations.
In Niger State, 51 pupils earlier declared missing after an attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, have also escaped and returned home.
The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora, Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed that the pupils either found their way back or were reported home by their parents. He said the school community remains in distress, as 253 children and 12 staff are still unaccounted for.
Rev. Yohanna, who also chairs the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), urged Nigerians to remain prayerful, assuring that the church is working with security agencies, community leaders, and government officials to rescue those still held captive.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago disputed reports describing the incident as a mass abduction. He said the attack caused panic and gunfire, prompting pupils to scatter into nearby bush paths.
He confirmed that many of the missing children have been returning home and assured that search efforts continue.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a post on X, confirmed that the 38 Kwara abductees were rescued and that 51 Niger pupils had reunited with their families.
The President said he monitored security operations closely after cancelling his trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa, stressing that the safety of Nigerians remains his top priority.
“I will not relent. Every Nigerian has the right to safety, and under my watch, we will secure this nation,” he declared.
Kwara Government Expresses Gratitude
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye, confirmed the rescue and thanked President Tinubu and security agencies for their efforts.
Pope Calls for Release of Remaining Hostages
At St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow over the abductions and appealed for the immediate release of the remaining pupils and staff.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said it is fully engaged in rescue missions in Niger and Kebbi States. It also announced an investigation into claims that troops were withdrawn shortly before the Kebbi school attack.
Federal lawmakers from Niger State condemned the attack and called for stronger security deployment and improved intelligence gathering.
Meanwhile, troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, arrested a wanted kidnapper, Umar Geyi, in Wukari, Taraba State. He is linked to several kidnappings and was apprehended during a monitored phone conversation in which he demanded a ₦20 million ransom.