The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met on Monday with the parents of more than 300 abducted pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State. The meeting, held at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral in Kontagora, came amid growing criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, over what it described as the state government’s failure to respond adequately to the crisis.

The victims were kidnapped on Friday, November 21, in one of the largest mass abductions recorded in the state.

Sources who attended the closed-door session told SaharaReporters that CAN leaders openly expressed a lack of confidence in Governor Umar Bago’s administration, accusing the government of ignoring their concerns and dismissing their pleas for action.

“CAN leadership expressed lack of confidence in the governor to rescue the pupils,” one source said. “They said he ignored them, dismissed their plight, and countered everything they said.”

Ribadu, accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Bernard Doro; the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi; and CAN Northern Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, assured anxious parents that federal efforts were fully underway to secure the release of the children.

According to a statement issued by Daniel Atori, media aide to Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna of the Kontagora Diocese, Ribadu told the gathering that the children were “doing fine” and would “be back soon,” offering a measure of relief to some families.

“This is a very solemn and difficult moment for us,” Ribadu said. “We take responsibility because it is our duty to protect you.”

He conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s personal concern, saying, “Mr. President is in pain. He suspended his travel plans because of this incident.”

Calling for unity, Ribadu urged Nigerians not to allow the tragedy to fuel division.
“Enough is enough. We will not relent in our efforts. We are all under attack, and we must not let bad people divide us or allow evil to get into us.”

He commended Bishop Yohanna for his resilience and assured families that the federal government was working with international partners to ensure the children’s safe return.

“God is with them and God is with us. Evil will never win. Many good people from across the world—including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and others—are supporting us. The whole world is uniting to stop and defeat this evil that has plagued Nigeria for two decades,” he said.

Ribadu vowed that security presence in the affected areas would be strengthened, adding, “You will see our reactions and responses now. This terrible act will be the turning point for Nigeria.”

Sources at the event noted a clear contrast between the federal government’s strong assurances and CAN’s frustration with the Niger State Government, which the association accused of inaction and disregard for the suffering of affected families.