Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Tinubu celebrates release of abducted 38 Kwara worshippers, 50 Niger pupils

Mr Tinubu said, “I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.”

• November 23, 2025
Eruku church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Niger State’s logo
Eruku church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Niger State’s logo

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday expressed joy over the release of 38 members of the Christ Apostolic Church abducted in Eruku, Kwara State and the escape of 51 pupils among over 315 abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State.



In a statement on Sunday, Mr Tinubu said, “My fellow Nigerians, You will recall that I cancelled my trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to enable me coordinate the security efforts at home.

“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State, have been rescued. I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State, have been recovered.’’

Vowing to secure the country, Mr Tinubu said he was “closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline. I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.”

Twenty-five schoolgirls were abducted from Kebbi State on Monday including schoolchildren and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Niger State, where 50 regained freedom on Sunday.

Coordinated abductions by terrorists last week forced Mr Tinubu to cancel his trips to South Africa and Angola.

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