A young survivor of the recent mass abduction in Niger State has revealed harrowing details of how she and other schoolchildren were forced to endure days of fear and silence under the close watch of their abductors in a dense forest.
The pupil, identified as Florence Michael, was among the group of learners rescued after being taken from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, situated in Agwara Local Government Area.
Their abduction on November 21 had sparked nationwide concern over the rising spate of attacks targeting schools.
Florence recounted that the kidnappers made them sleep on a trampoline laid on bare ground in the heart of the bush, close to a riverbank.
According to her, the captors repeatedly emphasised that any sound could cost them their freedom or attract severe punishment.
“They insisted that silence was our ticket home, and whenever anyone sobbed or whispered, they threatened to beat us,” she explained. “We slept on a trampoline in the bush; every hour felt like another day.”
Moreover, she urged authorities to strengthen the protection of learning environments, stressing that no child should attend school in fear of being taken.
Her emotional testimony followed the formal handover of the children to the Niger State Government by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who was represented by Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong.
During the handover ceremony, Ribadu disclosed that the successful operation to rescue the pupils was a combined effort involving the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, and multiple security formations working in synergy.
He underscored that the federal government has already initiated rapid protection measures for schools located within vulnerable zones.
Additionally, he noted ongoing collaboration with state governments, traditional authorities, and religious institutions to build sustainable, community-owned security networks.
“Insecurity will never be permitted to dictate who receives an education in this country,” Ribadu affirmed. “Every child has the right to learn without fear overshadowing their future.”
Receiving the rescued pupils at the Government House in Minna, Governor Umaru Bago described their return as a profound relief not only for parents but for the entire state.
“This moment restores hope to families who have spent sleepless nights, and it strengthens our resolve to keep children safe,” Governor Bago said.
The rescue reignites national debate on safeguarding schools in high-risk areas, a conversation that continues to shape Nigeria’s education and security landscape.