Daniel Atori, Kontagora
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been called upon to act swiftly for the safe return of the abducted children and teachers of St. Mary’s Private Catholic church in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger state who are still held in captivity.
This appealed was made on Sunday by Christian Worshippers from within the Kontagora Diocese.
One of the worshippers, a retired teacher, Madam Cecilia Audi, who spoke with our Correspondent after the Sunday Mass called on President Tinubu to act fast and ensure the safe return of the children like they did for those in Kebbi state.
According to her “honestly, I pity the Bishop for all the stress and to know that these children and teachers are still in captivity, but God will see him through and bring our children back to us safely.
“President Tinubu and Governor Umar Bago do all you can to bring back our children. We are all crying and can not eat or sleep.”
Another parent and worshipper, Tina Okeke who is also the Provincial Catholic Women President and Mrs Elizabeth Otti charged women in the state and Nigeria at large to join in the prayers for call for urgent release of those in captivity.
Accordingly, they said “we believe in God that these innocent young children will return home and be reunited with their parents.”
Okeke, then asked “is it an offense to send our children to school or to get our children educated? Mothers all over the world irrespective of religion, tribe or other affiliate are praying along with us.
“I call on our dear President and his wife to please act fast, find a way to get these children returned safely to their parents”.
While assuring that the prayers said during the service shall be answered, Mrs. Elizabeth Otti disclosed that, the people now go out in fear, they worship and go to the market in fear.
An executive member of the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Kontagora Diocese, Emmanuel Anyanwu said ever since the adoption, most parents have not been able to sleep or eat.
He then appealed to the federal and state governments including the security agencies to top up their actions. “I have not been myself ever since, as you can see, everyone is devastated but our hopes are high”, he added.
In his Homily to mark the First Sunday of Advent at the St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna prayed for the ‘Return of the pupils, students and teachers who were abducted over a week ago.
According to him “what happened to us is very tragic, and unexpected. But those who are supposed to stand up to do their work have started doing so.
“As I speak to you now, one of our catechists has four children among those abducted. We can not hide from the reality and the time has come for the truth to surface.
Lamenting, Bishop Yohanna who is also the Proprietor of the School, said for over a week now, 265 children and teachers are not yet accounted for.
“We need them back and I believe those who are responsible to secure us are doing their work. Everyone is traumatized but Let’s continue to pray”.
While thanking everyone for their support and prayers, Bishop Yohanna said “I want to believe that our government is ready and capable to do the right thing for the safe return of the children and teachers”.