The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Nigerians to remain patient as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue abducted children across the country, stressing that the lives of the victims is “non-negotiable.”
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka said the safety of the victims, as well as tackling insecurity, remains the government’s top priority
However, rescuing minors requires extreme caution as any hurried or forceful action could endanger the children.
“The lives and safety of the children in these recent abductions are a priority; it’s non-negotiable. You cannot do anything that jeopardises those children,” he said.
He explained that rescue operations involving children are among the toughest even for highly skilled operatives, noting that security forces must strike a balance between urgency and safety.
He appealed to Nigerians to remain understanding as security personnel confront criminal groups nationwide.
“We must really be patient with our law enforcement and our security forces,” he stated while commending the armed forces and other security agencies for “putting their lives on the line” daily to protect citizens.
“As a party, we are full of respect and commendation for all of our troops,” he said.
His comments come weeks after the military rescued 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Niger State.
The children, seized during a November 21 attack on Papiri community, were received by Governor Mohammed Bago at the Government House in Minna after their release.
Gunmen had stormed the school around 2 am, operating for nearly three hours and abducting 315 people which included 303 students and 12 teachers. About 50 pupils escaped within the first 24 hours, leaving 265 victims in captivity.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, welcomed the return of the 100 students and directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining 115 pupils and their teachers.
Expressing confidence in ongoing security operations, Morka said those behind the recent kidnappings would eventually be arrested and prosecuted.
“In the fullness of time, these people will be brought to justice. They should and must face the law and have their day in court,” he said.
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