The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed deep concern over the kidnapping of pupils and teachers from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

It called on the security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted children and staff, and to prevent such incidents from recurring.

The Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the incident as a disturbing and unacceptable affront on the safety of children, reiterating that schools must remain centres of learning, not spaces for violence.

In a statement issued Friday by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the NSGF warned that Northern Nigeria cannot afford further setbacks in its collective push to mop up out-of-school children and return them to the classroom.

“As a Forum, we have consistently maintained that schools must remain sanctuaries of learning and growth, not theatres of fear, violence or terror. Northern Nigeria already contends with significant challenges and educational setbacks, and we cannot allow criminal elements to derail our collective efforts at returning out-of-school children back into the classroom,” he said.

Governor Yahaya said the forum is deeply worried and saddened by what he described as ugly trend, especially at a time when governments across the North are investing heavily in creating safe, conducive and resilient learning environments.

He said as governors, they cannot fold their arms and watch criminal elements undermine their efforts and instill fear in young learners and the region in general.

“The rising trend of attacks on schools is worrisome and saddening. As governors, we will continue to work closely with the security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance community vigilance and reinforce the protection of our schools,” he added.

Governor Yahaya, on behalf of the Forum, conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the parents of the abducted pupils, the school authorities and the Government of Niger State, describing the ordeal as heartbreaking and deeply troubling.

He called for swift, decisive and well-coordinated action by all security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted children and to prevent similar occurrences.

He commended the ongoing search-and-rescue efforts, and urged security formations to intensify operations with utmost urgency.

The NSGF also urged the public to remain calm and cooperate fully with security operatives by providing information that may aid the rescue efforts. (Daily Trust)