About 100 schoolchildren who were abducted from a Catholic boarding school in Papiri village, Niger State last month have been safely returned and received by state officials, in a major relief for families and authorities. The students were handed over to the state government on Monday, a day after the federal government reportedly secured their release.
The kidnapped children, many of whom wore football jerseys and long robes, were transported in white buses and escorted by a convoy of military vans and armoured vehicles to the Niger State Government House. There, they were formally welcomed by Governor Umar Bago, local officials, and the emir, who presided over the reception. Most of the released students, according to a list seen by AFP, are aged 10 to 17, though the school also caters to younger nursery-age children.
The abduction took place two weeks ago, when armed assailants raided the remote boarding school in north-central Niger State, abducting 315 students and staff. While 100 students have now been released, dozens of others remain missing, and around 50 students reportedly escaped shortly after the initial raid.
Governor Bago personally shook hands with the children and led them into a hall where they were received by traditional and government authorities, praising their safe return. While the identities of the kidnappers remain unclear and the exact circumstances surrounding the release have not been fully disclosed, federal and state security agencies have been credited with facilitating the operation that freed the children.
Kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common in parts of Nigeria, particularly targeting schools in rural areas, and November saw a sharp increase in mass abductions. Such attacks have put a harsh spotlight on the country’s fragile security situation, with parents, communities, and authorities grappling with the challenge of protecting children from armed criminal networks.
The safe return of the 100 students offers a moment of relief amid ongoing security concerns, though authorities continue to search for the remaining students and staff. Officials have urged vigilance and cooperation from communities to prevent future attacks and ensure that abducted children are safely recovered.
