One hundred students of St. Mary’s Private Catholic School Papiri in Agwara area of Niger State, were released from captivity on Sunday, bringing moments of relief to families who had waited for almost 3 weeks with fading hope. Among them was the son of Ibrahim Ezekiel, who broke down in joy as he spoke to New Daily Prime for the first time since the abduction.
The students were abducted from their school on Thursday night when the terrorists broke into their dormitories and went away with dozens of the students and 12 teachers.
Ibrahim Ezekiel’s 8-year old daughter was among 100 of students released by the terrorists on Sunday and confirmed to New Daily Prime that his daughter was rescued.
“When I saw the video of the released students, I immediately saw my daughter moving among other pupils. We hope that she will be healthy as we saw her”, Ezekiel said.
But as some parents rejoiced, many others stood in silence, waiting to see photographs and calls about the return of their children held in captivity.
One notable among them is Pastor Yohanna Yakubi whose 25-year old teacher was taken away by the terrorists and told New Daily Prime that her daughter is yet to return.
“The photos which I saw, I didn’t see my daughter as I still anticipate her return”, the pastor said. “They have not released them as they are still under government care”.
He further prayed for quick release of her daughter who has been held in captivity for weeks now without response, adding that he is worried about her safety.
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Both Niger State and Federal government are yet to provide details surrounding the release of the students as efforts are still going to rescue others.
However, Niger Governor, Umaru Bago posted on his Facebook page that the students were rescued, praising security officials and the office of National security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu over the students release.
His Facebook message reads, “Today is very fundamental in redefining the history of our dear state, as I have received 100 of the kidnapped schoolchildren of St. Mary School in Papiri of Agwara LGA. We want to thank Mr. President for giving us all the necessary support to rescue these children.
We also want to thank the NSA, all security agencies and everyone who has contributed to the recovery of these children. We appreciate our development partners—UNICEF and others. Thank you all.
The governor further urged those praying to continue their prayer for the students’ safe return, adding that they hope to recover the remaining students who are still in captivity.
“I want to reassure the parents and guardians of these children that they will be safely reunited with them very soon. We have invited medical and health workers to thoroughly examine them before they are returned to their parents. We are working closely with CAN to ensure they are safely taken back home”.