.38 kidnapped Kwara worshippers rescued –Gov Abdulrazaq
.DHQ probes claims of troops’ withdrawal before Kebbi attack
.Tinubu determined to end challenges -Information Minister
.Yobe govt directs immediate closure of all boarding schools
.Pope urges release of abducted students
.All perpetrators of insecurity ‘ll pay with their lives – Oyedepo
CHIGOZIE AMADI
In a dramatic twist, 50 pupils who were abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Niger State, have reportedly escaped and reunited with their parents, the school authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The escape comes just days after terrorists attacked the school and abducted a total of 303 pupils and students.
The pupils fled between Friday and Saturday but could not return to the school after escaping. The school administration verified their safe return by contacting and visiting the parents of the rescued pupils, Sahara reporters states.
Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, Proprietor of the school, and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, who disclosed this said: “as much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims.”
The update was signed electronically by Daniel Atori, Media Aide to the Bishop, Most Rev. Yohanna.
“For the records, we now have 251 primary pupils, 14 secondary students and 12 teachers still with their abductors,” the statement said.
“In the primary section, out of the total number of 430 pupils we have in the school, 377 of them are boarders and the remaining 53 others are non-boarders.
“Currently, aside the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not carried away. As it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another 3 children who belong to our staff, 14 secondary students making a total 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors.”
Yohanna appealed for calm and continued prayers, stressing ongoing collaboration with security operatives, community leaders, government officials, and relevant authorities to ensure the safe and swift release of all abductees.
“As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims,” he said.
“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.”
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers,” he added.
Similarly, Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has announced the rescue of 38 church worshippers kidnapped by bandits from the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Abdulrazak announced the rescue of the victims in a statement on Sunday.
The statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye reads: ” After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, HE AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) is excited to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara Kwara.
“The Governor says this is wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, who has personally led the efforts to free the abductees.
“The abductees were freed today, November 23. The Governor is immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his direct initiative that made this happen.
“The President had called off his scheduled trip for the G20 Meeting in South Africa to attend to the breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States.
“He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, in what underlined his firm commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our people and Nigerians as a whole.
“The Governor also expresses appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Nigerian Army; Nigeria Intelligence Agency; and, of course, the Nigeria Police, which has graciously deployed four new tactical teams to Kwara State on the directive of the President.
“The Governor also thanks members of the security forces across board, thought leaders, religious institutions, and all Kwarans for their support and goodwill since the unfortunate incident.”
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says it has opened an investigation into claims that troops were withdrawn shortly before terrorists abducted students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi.
A total of 25 students were abducted from the school located in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of the state on November 17, after killing the Vice Principal.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Onoja said the allegation by the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris that terrorists struck about 30 minutes after the withdrawal of security personnel, had been noted.
He added that a thorough review was underway to establish the actual circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movements at the time.
According to him, operational decisions are based on intelligence and the broader security picture of the area but stressed that any identified lapse would attract immediate corrective action.
“Troops are pursuing all actionable intelligence to ensure the safe return of the abducted students, while collaborating with state authorities, community leaders and other security agencies to strengthen protection around schools and vulnerable communities,” he said
Onoja said the Defence Headquarters was deeply concerned about the abduction of the schoolgirls in Kebbi as well as those taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger.
He described the incidents as “heinous acts” and assured that troops were fully engaged in coordinated operations to rescue the victims.
He said the DHQ acknowledged public concerns over the recent rise in insecurity in parts of the North, assuring that the Armed Forces remained fully committed to restoring peace and stability across affected communities.
Governor Idris had spoken on Friday in Birnin Kebbi while receiving Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who visited the state to commiserate with him over the attack.
He said the development was troubling, especially as the state had earlier obtained intelligence indicating a likely assault and promptly convened a security meeting to address it.
“As a responsive government, when we received intelligence on a possible attack, we summoned a security meeting,” NAN quoted the governor as saying.
“The security agencies assured us that all was well and that personnel would be mobilised to the school.
“The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3 am, and by 3:45 am, the incident happened.”
Idris also stated that the state had requested a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the withdrawal of troops.
“Who authorised the military to withdraw? How did security personnel pull out at such a critical time? That is our concern. We have asked the military to investigate and identify who gave that order,” the governor said.
Idris said state and federal governments were working relentlessly to secure the release of the abducted schoolgirls.
“Our duty as leaders is to ensure that our daughters return home safely, and we are doing everything possible to achieve that,” he said.
“We thank President Bola Tinubu for directing Vice-President Kashim Shettima to visit us, and for ensuring that the minister of state for defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has relocated to Kebbi.”
He said clerics had also been instructed to intensify prayers for the safe return of the victims and for lasting peace in the state.
“What is happening in this country shows that enemies are working against this government,” he added.
Similarly, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says President Bola Tinubu is determined more than ever before to end the current challenges facing the country.
Idris stated this on Saturdy in Abuja at a reception and fund raising dinner, organised in honour of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that Adeniyi was recently elected as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation.
The event which was organised by tthe Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) included fund raising for the building of the Institute’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
Idris described Adenyi as a hardworking and diligent individual who is going places and showcasing what Nigeria is all about.
The Minister explained that Nigeria is passing through one of its toughest times.
“For me, what we are seeing is an opportunity to showcase who we really are. I think this is the time for Nigerians to come together, think and prove to the world that this is Nigeria.
“We can do this a lot better, no matter the challenges we have come through. This is not a time to dispair or report Nigeria to organisations outside.
This is the time for us to look for solutions to our problems.
“Yes, we have challenges and acknowledge that we do, but let us come together and fight it.
“I want to assure you that President Tinubu is determine more than ever before to bring to an end to these challenges we have,”Idris said.
He further explained that Tinubu has given a directive to the security agencies to ensure that the kidnapped school children are rescued and reunited with their families.
Idris added that prices of food stuffs are coming down and other positive things are being recorded in the economy prosperity of the country.
He said that the Nigeria’s delegation to the U.S. is properly educating them on the true realities on ground.
Also, the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, congratulated Adenyi on his election as the Chairman of World Customs Organisation.
“At a time when it is assumed that the reputation of Nigeria is going down, it is important for the world to know that we have given them the best chairman in Customs.
“And for that reason, we must celebrate what God has given to this nation in a manner that the world will know and stand up for us,” Neliaku said.
Also speaking, the formal Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, admonished Adeniyi to continue the good work and do even more.
He, however, expressed concern over the cases of abductions in the country and admonished the government to use wisdom in addressing the challenges.
Gana called for proper education and respect for democracy in the country, stressing that democracy should not be destroyed.
Similarly, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market, Sen. Osita Izunaso, said the Customs under Adeniyi has done so well and surpass its target.
Izunaso appreciated Idris and commended Neliaku for the good works they are doing for the NIPR.
Responding, Adeniyi appreciated all speakers at the event and pledged to continue to do his best to promote the image and reputation of Nigeria.
“However, it would be wrong for us to leave building and protecting the image of Nigeria to the Minister of Information and National Orientation alone.
“What is happening now requires all of us as individuals in the different ecosystem we operate, starting from the simplest of all; we all have WhatsApp group we belong where we talk about the country. We need to defend our country.
“There are some interest that have begin to show that they also have something at stake in our country. Our stake is bigger than theirs, because this is our country. I urge us to take this as our own figh, not just for the Miniter and Military,” Adeniyi said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives from the governments of Nasarawa, Jigawa and Zamfara, former presidents of NIPR, former governor of Niger, Dr Babangida Aliyu, traditional leaders and many others attended the event.
High points of the event was the unnveiling of the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaha Abubakar, as the World Public Relations Forum Royal Ambassador and the fund raising.
Meanwhile, Yobe state government has directed the closure of all boarding Secondary Schools in the state as a proactive measure to safeguard students in the schools.
The decision followed the outcome of a security meeting between the Governor, Mai Mala Buni and Security chiefs in the state, reviewing security incidences in schools in some parts of the country.
A notice signed by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr.Bukar Aji Bukar, directed immediate closure of all secondary schools pending improvement in the situation.
Governor Buni called on the people of the state to pray for the leadership, security operatives, peace and improved security in the country.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost, on Sunday urged the immediate release of more than 300 people abducted in a series of mass kidnappings targeting schools in Nigeria, describing the news as a source of immense sadness, Vatican News reported.
“I learned with immense sadness the news of the kidnappings of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon”, the Pope said during his address at the end of the Angelus prayer at the Vatican.
“I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages,” Pope Leo said, expressing his deep sorrow, especially for the many young boys and girls kidnapped and for their anguished families.
“Let us pray for these brothers and sisters of ours and that churches and schools may always and everywhere remain places of safety and hope,” the Pope said.
Also speaking on the issue, the Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has renewed a 15-year warning about rising insecurity in Nigeria, following recent attacks on churches that left several worshippers dead and others abducted.
Speaking on Sunday at the 4th Pre-Shiloh Encounter Service, Oyedepo expressed deep concern over the state of the nation.
He said, “Developments in the past two weeks, particularly in Nigeria, are worrisome to say the least. The need for a prompt response in prayers to stop the killings once and for all. You can’t trade people’s lives for your comfort. All the innocent blood shared is speaking vengeanc; all the perpetrators will pay with their lives.”
He further asserted his connection to the nation, stating, “No one is more Nigerian than myself. We all have our ancestral grounds. We all know power passes power, no power passes the power of God.”
Oyedepo urged members of his church to engage in midnight prayers, saying, “We are going out on a midnight raid (prayers). Every member of this church should be awake one hour before violence descends to anarchy in Nigeria… you mean a church was invaded during worship, and people were killed and abducted and nothing happened? The God of justice is rising. He gave reasons why the wicked will be cursed in prayers (Genesis 12:3).”
He stressed Nigeria’s spiritual identity, declaring, “When God steps in, the pride of men is cut. Every arrogance will be cut down. Nigeria will never descend into chaos. I want them to hear these hard things because they are coming from the burning spirit of a prophet.”
Oyedepo also cited scripture on peace, saying, “When God speaks it is accompanied with peace, Psalm 85:8, ‘I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints. He will not let them return to folly.’ I’ve been shouting this for 15 years; he (God) has prompted me to speak again.”
He condemned acts of violence, kidnapping, and terrorism, saying, “We shall be calling for justice against those responsible for acts of violence. We are raiding the camp of the wicked; let’s all partake in the midnight prayer. All winners anoint your houses. Every attack against the church shall be met with divine justice. Don’t politicise human life; it’s immoral. Let’s join our hands and our hearts together and pray that prayer, one hour only 12am-1am.”
