Niger Governor Bago Admits 250 Pupils Were Abducted After Earlier Denial

Mohammed Bago, the governor of Niger State, has retracted his previous 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 conference for newly elected local government chairmen and commissioners, Bago acknowledged the event and voiced profound sorrow about the kidnapping of more than 250 students and their teachers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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