In a courageous act, 50 of the 315 children abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State, Nigeria, escaped their captors and have been reunited with their families. The abduction occurred on a Friday when armed men stormed St Mary's School in Papiri. A major military-led search and rescue operation is currently underway to secure the release of the remaining 265 children and 12 teachers taken with them.
As a result of this mass abduction and other recent kidnappings, Nigerian authorities have ordered the closure of schools across several states. This week's incidents also included the kidnapping of 20 students from a boarding school in Kebbi State.
President Bola Tinubu has responded to the threats by ordering the recruitment of an additional 30,000 police officers to enhance security measures and protect vulnerable schools. In another part of the state, 38 individuals kidnapped from a church service were freed.
The news of the children's escape brings a welcome sigh of relief amid ongoing concerns surrounding safety in Nigeria, particularly related to school kids. Following the incident, Pope Leo XIV expressed his dismay and urged swift action for child safety.
Local police have described the escape as a brave and risky maneuver. People have expressed their heartache for those still missing, with some family members sharing their sorrow over the fate of their abducted relatives. Meanwhile, authorities are combing the forests and remote routes believed to have been used by the kidnappers, amid calls for responsible governance and protection against such violent banditry.
The situation remains tense as the Nigerian government grapples with the growing menace of kidnappings for ransom, which has become a dire issue affecting many parts of the country.
As a result of this mass abduction and other recent kidnappings, Nigerian authorities have ordered the closure of schools across several states. This week's incidents also included the kidnapping of 20 students from a boarding school in Kebbi State.
President Bola Tinubu has responded to the threats by ordering the recruitment of an additional 30,000 police officers to enhance security measures and protect vulnerable schools. In another part of the state, 38 individuals kidnapped from a church service were freed.
The news of the children's escape brings a welcome sigh of relief amid ongoing concerns surrounding safety in Nigeria, particularly related to school kids. Following the incident, Pope Leo XIV expressed his dismay and urged swift action for child safety.
Local police have described the escape as a brave and risky maneuver. People have expressed their heartache for those still missing, with some family members sharing their sorrow over the fate of their abducted relatives. Meanwhile, authorities are combing the forests and remote routes believed to have been used by the kidnappers, amid calls for responsible governance and protection against such violent banditry.
The situation remains tense as the Nigerian government grapples with the growing menace of kidnappings for ransom, which has become a dire issue affecting many parts of the country.
