Bago Makes U-Turn, Confirms Abduction of 250 Pupils in Niger

Mohammed Bago, the governor of Niger State, has retracted his earlier assertion that no pupils were kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

Speaking on Thursday at an eight-day retreat for newly elected local government chairmen and newly nominated commissioners, Bago acknowledged the tragedy and voiced serious worry over the kidnapping of more than 250 students and their teachers.

The governor, speaking through Comrade Yakubu Garba, his deputy, called the incident “heartbreaking” and “unacceptable.”

“I must speak from the heart on a matter that concerns us all, the unfortunate kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government,” stated Bago before delving deeply into the next sessions.

“This is completely unacceptable and has caused much concern in our state. As the state’s chief security officer and a parent, I understand the suffering of every parent who is waiting impatiently for their children to come home.

He reassured the populace that efforts are being made by the administration to improve security throughout the state and guarantee the victims’ safe return.

According to Bago, the retreat was intended to get senior officials ready for the challenges of governing under the “New Niger” vision of his administration.

“This Executive Retreat is not just another occasion on the government calendar,” he declared. It is a time for introspection, preparation, and strategic alignment with renewed energy for our common goal of realizing the New Niger vision.

“Servant leadership, which is characterized by competence, responsibility, honesty, teamwork, and above all, results-oriented leadership, is required by our mandate.”

In his own words, Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Usman stated that the retreat’s objectives are to improve cooperation and promote a shared goal among government appointees.

He asked all officials to serve as the “engine room” for the administration’s success and reminded the newly elected chairmen of their duty to promote development at the local level.