Post by : Maya Rahman

The Nigerian government has confirmed the release of 130 schoolchildren from St Mary’s Catholic school located in Niger state. This announcement follows the earlier liberation of 100 students earlier this month. Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare took to X to announce that all hostages have been freed, sharing a joyous photo of the children.

The incident occurred in late November when armed men raided the St Mary’s co-educational boarding institution in the rural Papiri region of north-central Niger state. The event sent shockwaves through local communities, causing widespread fear.

While the total number of those abducted remains uncertain, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) reported an estimated 315 individuals were taken. Around 50 managed to escape shortly after the attack, with the government successfully negotiating the release of approximately 100 students on December 7.

A statement from President Bola Tinubu later indicated that around 115 people might still be in captivity. The remaining children are set to be relocated to Minna, the state’s capital, on Tuesday. Information regarding the perpetrators of the attack or the negotiation process for their release remains undisclosed.

Mass abductions for ransom are unfortunately becoming prevalent in Nigeria, underscoring the nation’s dire security landscape. Recent kidnappings have impacted both Christian and Muslim communities, affecting students, worshippers, and farm workers alike.

With a population of 230 million, Nigeria continues to grapple with armed groups in the northwest and jihadist factions in the northeast. While some foreign leaders have referred to these attacks as a form of “genocide,” Nigerian authorities strongly contest this characterization. Although the safe return of these children is a beacon of hope, it also emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced protections for students nationwide.

#Global News