Emotions on Monday took the mood of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state when receiving the 100 abducted students of Catholic school released by the Federal Government at Government house Minna.

The students abducted on November 21, 2025, were handed over to the Governor by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu represented by Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong.

He explained that since the abduction of the children, government has been working assiduous to ensure their rescue and safe return.

He said, “We assure that the policies to protect the rights of every Nigerian child will be of utmost priority. Let me reiterate the unwavering commitment of the security agencies to come up with measures to protect the country and the citizens”.

The Niger state governor who remained emotional while receiving the 100 children, thanked President Bola Tinubu and the NSA Nuhu Ribadu for the prompt actions in rescuing and recovering of the children.

He assured that the rest students still in captivity will be recovered and returned to their parents in no distance time

He appealed for sustainable prayers to ensure their safe return and such incident should not occurred again in the state.

According to him, “Today is fundamental in redefining the history of Niger state, am emotionally broken down due to the ages and size of this children”, adding that medical officials have been directed to examine their health status to ensure they are healthy.

He said the state government is working in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), UNICEF and other relevant authorities to ensure safe return of all the abducted students.