President Bola Tinubu’s government, on Monday, said abducted schoolchildren of St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, are fine in terrorists’ den and will soon be released and reunited with their families.

Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), disclosed this during a visit to Bulus Yohanna, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and proprietor of the school.

In a statement by the diocese, Mr Ribadu said, “the children are doing fine and will be back soon.”

“This is a very solemn and difficult moment for us, especially after hearing from some of the parents and all of you. However, we take responsibility because it is our duty to protect you,” Mr Ribadu said.

The NSA also said his visit to the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese was based on Mr Tinubu’s directive.

“This is a directive from Mr President that we must come and visit you. Mr President is in pain; he is in sorrow just like all of us. He stopped everything he was doing; he was supposed to travel but he suspended his journey,” Mr Ribadu said.

Bandits attacked St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, on November 21 and abducted over 300 students.

Last week, the presidency revealed how the federal government secured the release of 38 Christians kidnapped during an attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, Ekiti LGA of Kwara, by contacting the bandits.