- 100 St Mary’s School children rescued and officially received in Minna.
- Handed over to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago by NSA representative.
- Federal Government assures more security and child-safety policies.
- Governor seeks prayers for remaining students still in captivity.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has officially received the 100 rescued St Mary’s School students, weeks after they were abducted by armed bandits on November 21, 2025. The children were presented to him at the Government House, Minna, a moment many described as emotional and historic.
The handover was conducted by Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong, representing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who reaffirmed that the Federal Government remains committed to securing schools and communities across Nigeria.
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“We will continue to come up with policies to ensure the safety of every Nigerian child,” the NSA representative assured.
Governor Bago, visibly moved by the reunion, said this moment will remain a major turning point in the history of Niger State. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies, and cooperating partners for ensuring that the 100 St Mary’s students returned alive.
He, however, urged Nigerians to keep praying for the remaining students and teachers still in captivity, stressing that the government will not rest until every child is safely returned.
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“We will continue to pray and work for the recovery of the remaining children. They must return to their parents soon,” Governor Bago stated.
Shortly after the ceremony, the students were transported to Kontagora, where anxious families had been waiting to welcome them home. Videos from Minna show relieved children stepping into waiting buses, a sight many Nigerians celebrated after weeks of uncertainty and fear.
The development comes just days after bandits released several church worshippers kidnapped in Kwara State, raising growing questions on whether government rescue missions or negotiation tactics are driving these releases. Many citizens are now calling for stronger actions to prevent repeat attacks.
