Three weeks after the abduction of 315 children and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic Private Catholic Primary and Secondary school, Papiri in Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has confirmed the incident and vowed to give political appointments to indigenes of the area.
It should be recalled the governor had said in different fora that there was no abduction and that the figures were exaggerated.
While assuring that the remaining children and teachers would be rescued soon and reunited with their families, Governor Bago added: “I will appoint people from Papiri into various positions.”
He said at the inauguration ceremony of Commissioners, Chairmen, Vice Chairman of local government councils and Board Members on Friday at the Government House, Minna after observing a minute silence for the late parents of Papiri students that he was thanking God that Niger State is united after the incident.
Accordingly, he prayed: “Oh God we beseech you to rescue Niger State, rescue our children, and restore unto us lasting peace.
“Those who chose the wrong path, God please redirect them.
“Let us put the old aside and embrace a new Niger.
“We want a new Niger where the son of a nobody can become somebody.
“It is time to retrace our steps.
“Three weeks ago, we woke up with the terrifying news of the abduction of our children and teachers.
“Thank God we have rescued 100 and we hope that the remaining are rescued and reunited with their families soon.
“In this government, we will engage and appoint people from Papiri into our government.”
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu, said the emergence of the appointees and elected chairmen were as a result of their capabilities and pedigrees.Local Business Directory
Gawu urged them to settle quickly and deliver the mandate to the people, especially in strengthening security and improving the education and healthcare sectors.
The appointees were sworn in by the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, who was represented by Justice Amina of Court 6, Minna. [Eagle Online excluding headline]
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