Nigeria frees another 130 kidnapped schoolchildren in Niger state
Nigeria frees another 130 kidnapped schoolchildren in Niger state
Officials announce the remaining pupils abducted from a Catholic school are now free, as Nigeria grapples with a new wave of school seizures.
In a development that brings relief to families and communities, authorities say another 130 students and staff abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger state have been released, following the release of about 100 people earlier this month. A presidential spokesperson posted a photo of smiling children on X to confirm the news.
The November raid targeted the St Mary’s co-educational boarding school in a rural area of Niger state, part of a broader spate of mass abductions that have raised concerns about security in northern Nigeria. The Christian Association of Nigeria had previously put the total number kidnapped at 315, though figures have varied as information has emerged over time.
While the latest releases reduce the number believed to be in captivity, officials have not disclosed who carried out the raid or the terms of the release. A UN source said the remaining pupils would be taken to Minna, the state capital, on Tuesday, underscoring the logistical and security considerations involved in resolving the crisis.
The events echo the infamous 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping by Boko Haram and come as Nigeria faces a broader pattern of abductions targeting students, worshippers, and workers across the country. In November alone, reports highlighted further abductions of Muslim schoolgirls, church worshippers, and other civilians, highlighting the extent of the security challenge.
Government and security officials say they are pursuing diplomatic and security channels with regional partners to secure safe passage for students, protect educational sites, and restore a sense of safety for communities relying on schools and rural routes for daily life. While the releases are a step forward, the scale of insecurity remains a deeply rooted problem for policymakers and residents alike.
