Turaki Visits Gov Bago After Mass Abduction, Demands Urgent Overhaul of Nigeria’s Security System

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki, has called for a sweeping overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture following the abduction of more than 300 students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

Turaki led members of the party’s National Working Committee to Minna on Thursday, where they paid a condolence visit to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. He described the attack as a grave national tragedy that demands unified political action rather than partisan positioning.

He stressed that insecurity had reached a scale that requires leaders across party lines to close ranks and jointly pursue lasting solutions.

“We may be an opposition party, but we believe in responsible opposition,” Turaki said during the visit. “At moments like this, political differences must give way. The safety of our citizens and the future of our children matter more than anything else.”

He assured the governor of the PDP’s solidarity, noting that the party “feels the pain” of Niger State and is willing to support efforts to restore peace and stability.

Turaki also commended security agencies and the state government for the ongoing rescue operations aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted children and their teachers.

Governor Bago, who welcomed the delegation, described the visit as a reflection of “humanity, solidarity, and democratic maturity.”
He warned that terrorist activities increasingly threaten democratic governance and called on all political parties to stand together against insecurity.

“Opposition strengthens democracy and guides government policies,” Bago said, adding that all relevant agencies are working round the clock to rescue the victims.

The abduction—one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent months—has renewed scrutiny of Nigeria’s security failures, with growing pressure on federal authorities to implement stronger counterterrorism measures.