***Says Children Must Not Spend Christmas in Captivity
***Urges State, Federal Government to Act Fast
With just weeks to Christmas, the Boys Brigade of Nigeria, Niger State Council, has called on both the state and federal governments to intensify efforts toward securing the release of over 200 students abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Missionary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.
The appeal was made on Saturday in Minna by the Council President and former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, during the annual “Concert for 150 Trumpeters” held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church. This year’s event, themed “Worship the King of Kings,” was dedicated to prayers and worship specifically for the safe return of the abducted children.
Vatsa expressed deep worry over the prolonged captivity of the students, warning that it would be heartbreaking for parents if their children are forced to spend Christmas in the hands of kidnappers.
“We are all parents and we know what it means,” he said. “It will be heartbreaking if these children are allowed to spend their Christmas in captivity. That is why we are sending a strong appeal to both the state and federal government to fast-track their rescue and safe return.”
Speaking on the significance of the annual trumpet concert, Vatsa said the programme serves as a platform to instill moral discipline among youths who form the core of the Boys Brigade. According to him, keeping young people meaningfully engaged is essential in steering them away from crime.
He argued that the rise in criminality, insurgency, and banditry across the country is rooted in a breakdown of moral values and poor upbringing. The Concert for 150 Trumpeters, he noted, remains one of the most important events in the Boys Brigade calendar, where members lift their voices and instruments in praise to God.
Vatsa said the theme for this year’s edition was chosen to reflect the difficult times facing the state and the nation, adding that returning to God in praise and worship is necessary for divine intervention.
The event, which marks the end of the Boys Brigade’s activities for 2025, had in attendance battalions from all 25 local government areas of Niger State.
