Some parents of the 100 children released after their abduction from St. Mary’s Private Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara local government area of Niger State, have expressed gratitude for the release of their children, while others, who are yet to receive their children, pray for the government to fast-track the process.
The parents made this known when Governor Umar Bago received the released children at the Government House, where he vowed to ensure the return of the remaining 153 others.
It was a moment of mixed reactions when two among the parents of the released 100 school children, saw their children for the first time, more than two weeks after they were abducted.
For Elizabeth Samuel, whose son was abducted and among the released children, it is now time to sleep with her two eyes closed, while for Marcus Abuka, his daughter was abducted but not part of those released in this batch. He pleads for the quick rescue of the other 153 school children.
During the handover ceremony, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Abdullahi Hong, said that with the release, parents should be rest assured that the safety of schools remains paramount.
For Governor Umar Bago, it is a redefining moment in the history of the state over the safety of school children and the assurance of safe release of the remaining students in captivity.
With the first batch of 100 school children released, it is hoped that in days to come, the remaining 153 others still in captivity will be released and reunited with their parents.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
