Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, over the successful release of all abducted pupils, teachers and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Niger State.
In a media statement dated December 23, 2025, Senator Abdullahi said the victims were kidnapped in the early hours of November 21, 2025, from their boarding facility in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
“It is with a heart full of immense gratitude that I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his exceptional leadership in ensuring the release of all pupils, teachers, and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community,” he stated.
The Minister recalled that while about 50 pupils initially escaped from captivity and another 100 were released on December 7, 2025, the eventual freedom of the remaining 130 abductees brought relief to families and the larger community.
Describing the incident as deeply personal, Senator Abdullahi, who is also the Baraden Borgu, noted that Papiri is part of the Borgu Kingdom and that many affected families looked up to prominent Niger State indigenes for support.
He also commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his coordination role, and Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, for his “courage and tireless efforts” in mobilising support to end the crisis.
According to him, the successful rescue underscores President Tinubu’s determination to secure Nigerians across the country and calls for increased public cooperation with security agencies.
Senator Abdullahi urged Nigerlites to rally behind Governor Bago’s leadership and wished the freed victims a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as they reunite with their families.
Papiri Abduction: Senator Sabi Abdullahi Hails Tinubu for Release of Kidnapped Pupils, Staff
