APC National Chairman Optimistic About Release of Kidnapped St Mary’s Students in Niger State

Introduction

In Niger State, Nigeria, the recent abduction of students from St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School has sparked widespread concern over security challenges. Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has voiced strong optimism regarding the swift and safe release of these kidnapped students, often referred to as scholars in reports. His statements during visits to key stakeholders underscore a message of hope, unity, and faith amid the crisis.

This incident highlights ongoing kidnapping issues in northern Nigeria, where non-state actors target schools and communities. Yilwatda’s proactive engagement with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter and Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago emphasizes cross-party and interfaith solidarity. As Nigeria grapples with such events, understanding these responses provides insight into political and communal strategies for resolution.

Analysis

The APC national chairman’s optimism stems from a combination of political endorsement, spiritual appeals, and recognition of governmental efforts. Prof. Yilwatda led a delegation to console affected families and the CAN Niger State branch, framing the abduction as a traumatic event that demands collective action.

Political Context of APC Leadership

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is Nigeria’s ruling party, formed in 2013 through a merger of opposition groups. Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, elected national chairman in 2024, represents Plateau State and brings academic credentials as a professor. His visit aligns with APC’s national outreach, praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s interventions, which he credits for positive outcomes in similar cases.

Interfaith and Community Solidarity

During the CAN visit, Yilwatda condemned rising kidnappings while commending CAN’s state leadership. Represented by Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim, CAN Chairman Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna expressed gratitude for the support. This interaction promotes religious harmony in Niger State, a diverse region with Muslim and Christian populations.

Gubernatorial Engagement

At the Government House in Minna, Yilwatda offered condolences to Governor Bago, assuring prayers for the students’ reunion. He invoked divine intervention, stating that nationwide prayers would facilitate their return. Governor Bago, earlier, urged sustained prayers for peace and reiterated the state’s commitment to coexistence despite religious differences.

Summary

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, APC national chairman, remains positive about the liberation of kidnapped St Mary’s school students in Niger State. His visits to CAN and Governor Bago conveyed solidarity, praised federal efforts under President Tinubu, condemned kidnappings, and called for prayers. Stakeholders echoed these sentiments, emphasizing unity and faith for a safe resolution.

Key Points

Practical Advice

While awaiting official resolutions, communities in high-risk areas like Niger State can adopt verifiable safety measures drawn from Nigerian security guidelines.

Community Safety Measures

Educate families on early warning systems: Establish neighborhood watches and report suspicious activities to local police via Nigeria’s emergency lines (112 or 767). Schools should implement perimeter fencing and avoid isolated routes during transport.

Prayer and Support Networks

Following leaders’ examples, organize interfaith prayer sessions to foster morale. Support families through verified NGOs like the Red Cross, providing emotional and logistical aid without speculation on negotiations.

Personal Preparedness

Parents: Teach children emergency contacts and safe zones. Use apps like Nigeria Police Force trackers for real-time alerts on kidnapping hotspots in Niger State.

Points of Caution

Amid optimism, exercise restraint to avoid misinformation. Refrain from unverified social media claims about St Mary’s students’ location, as these can hinder security operations. Official channels like Niger State Government or APC statements provide accurate updates.

Discourage vigilante actions, which violate Nigerian laws and escalate risks. Prioritize professional security forces’ efforts, as emphasized by federal and state leaders.

Comparison

The St Mary’s abduction mirrors past school kidnappings in Nigeria, such as the 2014 Chibok girls incident in Borno State (276 students abducted by Boko Haram) and the 2021 Bethel Baptist School event in Kaduna (139 pupils taken). In both, community prayers, political visits, and federal interventions preceded releases or rescues.

Similarities in Responses

Like Yilwatda’s optimism, leaders in Chibok cases invoked faith and unity. President Tinubu’s praised efforts parallel Buhari-era operations that freed over 100 Chibok girls by 2023.

Differences and Lessons

St Mary’s involves fewer victims from a Catholic school, focusing on interfaith solidarity in multi-religious Niger State, unlike predominantly Muslim-north incidents. Outcomes show 90%+ recovery rates in negotiated releases when prayers and operations align, per official reports.

Legal Implications

Kidnapping in Nigeria is a federal offense under the Criminal Code Act (Sections 364-367) and Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011, punishable by life imprisonment or death if a victim dies. Abductions targeting schools classify as terrorism, enabling military involvement.

State governments like Niger can invoke emergency powers, but resolutions often involve discreet negotiations, as public disclosure risks escalation. APC’s statements support legal frameworks without endorsing extralegal means, aligning with constitutional rule of law.

Conclusion

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda’s optimism for the St Mary’s kidnapped students’ release in Niger State encapsulates a broader narrative of resilience, political unity, and faith in Nigeria’s security apparatus. By praising President Tinubu and fostering interfaith bonds, these actions reinforce communal strength against kidnappings. As prayers continue, sustained governmental efforts promise resolution, teaching lessons in solidarity for future crises. Monitoring official updates remains key to hopeful outcomes.

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