Nigerian authorities say they have secured the release of the remaining 130 schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped from a Catholic boarding school in the country's central Niger state. Nigeria's federal government described the latest release as a moment of triumph and relief, after one of the country's worst mass kidnappings. More than 250 children and staff were abducted from St Mary's Catholic school in Papiri on 21 November. Earlier this month about 100 of the children were released. The authorities confirmed the rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff in a statement, saying not a single pupil is left in captivity.
Niger state police chief Adamu Abdullahi Elleman reported that the rescued individuals are being examined by security forces and will be taken to their school to reunite with their families. Parents are in high spirits over the news of the release, with many expected to gather at the school shortly.
Since the kidnapping, the exact number of abducted individuals has been unclear. The incident is part of a troubling trend of targeted attacks on schools and places of worship in Nigeria, with most kidnappings attributed to criminal gangs seeking ransom payments. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has committed to working with Niger and other states to secure schools and make the learning environment safer.
Niger state police chief Adamu Abdullahi Elleman reported that the rescued individuals are being examined by security forces and will be taken to their school to reunite with their families. Parents are in high spirits over the news of the release, with many expected to gather at the school shortly.
Since the kidnapping, the exact number of abducted individuals has been unclear. The incident is part of a troubling trend of targeted attacks on schools and places of worship in Nigeria, with most kidnappings attributed to criminal gangs seeking ransom payments. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has committed to working with Niger and other states to secure schools and make the learning environment safer.
