Wayne Lumbasi
Authorities in Nigeria have confirmed the release of 100 students, aged between 10 and 17 years, who were abducted from St Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Niger State. The rescue has brought relief to families after weeks of fear and uncertainty. The students were freed following coordinated security operations across remote forest areas where armed groups had been holding them since the November attack.
The kidnapping occurred when gunmen stormed the school in the Papiri community, forcing hundreds of children and several teachers into the surrounding bush. While some pupils managed to escape shortly after the raid, many others were taken deeper into isolated territories, prompting an intensive search by state and federal security forces.
The rescued students were brought to the Government House in Minna under tight security. Health workers immediately began conducting medical examinations, and officials said the children would undergo counselling and temporary care before being reunited with their families. Many parents, who have spent weeks waiting for news, gathered with relief as the first images of the freed children emerged.
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the development, commending the efforts of security agencies and urging them to continue working to secure the release of the remaining abducted students and staff. Niger State Governor Umar Bago also addressed the children, reaffirming that operations to locate those still missing were ongoing and that the state would not relent until every captive is safely returned.
The mass kidnapping has once again underscored the widespread threat posed by armed groups who target schools in search of ransom payments. Such attacks have disrupted education in several northern communities and placed immense pressure on families who fear for their children’s safety.
Local leaders have renewed calls for stronger protection around schools to prevent similar incidents. While the release of 100 children marks an important step forward, many families continue to wait anxiously for word on their missing loved ones. For now, the rescue offers hope, but the work to bring everyone home is far from over.
INSECURITY IN NIGERIA
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