In a tense moment for the nation, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has stepped into the spotlight with a firm promise: the remaining abducted students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State will be rescued safely. His assurance came during a visit to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago in Minna, days after the shocking kidnapping incident shook the region.
Egbetokun described the abduction as heartbreaking and emblematic of the rising security challenges confronting Niger State — a state he insisted is too critical to Nigeria’s stability to be neglected. To match his words with action, the police have deployed additional tactical teams, boosted intelligence operations, and reinforced their presence across key flashpoints. The IGP revealed that 50 of the abducted children have already been rescued, reaffirming the force’s determination not to allow criminal elements gain ground.
The IGP also praised the support received from the state government, traditional rulers, and other key actors, but stressed that the battle against insecurity requires everyone pulling in the same direction. In his view, unity is no longer optional — it is survival.
On his part, Governor Bago commended both the IGP and President Bola Tinubu for responding swiftly by deploying high-level rescue teams to the affected community. He also highlighted the contributions of other security agencies working round-the-clock to bring the remaining victims home safely. The governor urged residents to stay calm, stay strong, and remain prayerful as the joint rescue effort intensifies.
But Bago didn’t mince words: he warned that Nigeria’s democracy and national integrity are under threat, making collaboration and vigilance more crucial than ever. He called on citizens to stand firm and join hands in restoring peace, unity, and hope — not just for Niger State, but for the entire nation.
The rescue mission continues, with the eyes of the nation fixed on Niger and the promise of a safe return for the remaining schoolchildren.