Parents and Christian worshippers from within the Kontagora Diocese in Niger State yesterday gathered to pray for the safe rescue of all the abducted students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Missionary School, Papiri in Agwara Local Government Area of the state.

The parents and other worshipers had gathered at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora to mark the First Sunday of Advent where the service was dedicated to prayers for the safe return of the students and their teachers.

The parents called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly for the safe return of the abducted children still in captivity one week after they were whisked away by gunmen.

It was a moment of anguish and lamentations as parents and worshippers could not hold back tears as they spoke newsmen after the service.

A worshippers and a retired teacher, Madam Cecilia Audi, 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 should do all they can to bring back our children. We are all crying and can not eat or sleep.”

Another parent, Mrs. Tina Okeke who is the Provincial Catholic Women President and Mrs Elizabeth Otti urged women in the state and Nigeria at large to join in the prayers and call for urgent release of those in captivity.

“We believe in God that these innocent young children will return home and be reunited with their parents.

“We call on our dear President and his wife to please act fast, find a way to get these children returned safely to their parents,” they begged.

An executive member of the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Kontagora Diocese, Emmanuel Anyanwu said since the abduction, most parents have not been able to sleep or eat.

He therefore appealed to the federal and state governments including the security agencies to intensify efforts towards the search and rescue operation, pointing out that, “I have not been myself ever since, as you can see, everyone is devastated but our hopes are high.”

In his Homily to mark the First Sunday of Advent, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna prayed for the return of the students and teachers.

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.

Speaking further, 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”.

Bishop Yohanna however thanked everyone for their support and prayers, so far, stressing: “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”. (The Sun)