130 More Kidnapped Schoolchildren Freed in Nigeria

Nigerian authorities have confirmed the release of another 130 schoolchildren and staff who were kidnapped from a Catholic boarding school in Niger State. This brings relief after one of the worst mass school abductions in the country in recent times.

The children were taken from St. Mary’s Catholic Boarding School in Papiri on 21 November. At the time of the attack, more than 250 students and staff were abducted by unknown gunmen. Earlier this month, about 100 of the kidnapped children were released, leaving many families worried about the fate of the remaining victims.

In a statement, the federal government said the latest release marks a “moment of triumph and relief.” Authorities confirmed that all those still held have now been freed. According to the presidency, no pupil or staff member remains in captivity.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the total number of freed students now stands at 230. He shared photos showing some of the children smiling and waving after their release. The students are expected to arrive in Minna, the capital of Niger State, where they will receive medical care and reunite with their families.

The government has not disclosed how the release was secured or whether any ransom was paid. Officials say such details are being kept confidential for security reasons. During the earlier release, the governor of neighbouring Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, said the federal government played a key role behind the scenes.

The Christian Association of Nigeria also revealed that about 50 students managed to escape during the initial attack in November.

The kidnapping of the St. Mary’s students is part of a growing wave of attacks on schools and religious centres in northern and central Nigeria. Just days before the Papiri incident, gunmen attacked a church in Kwara State, killing two people and abducting 38 others. A day earlier, 25 Muslim schoolgirls were kidnapped from a government school in Kebbi State. All victims from those attacks have since been released.

Security experts believe most of these kidnappings are carried out by criminal gangs seeking ransom, although no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attacks.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his government will continue working with state authorities to improve security. He said efforts are being made to protect schools and ensure a safer learning environment for children across the country.

The release of the remaining students has brought hope to many families and renewed calls for stronger action against school kidnappings in Nigeria.