Nigerian authorities have successfully secured the liberation of the remaining 130 students and staff members who were abducted during a mass kidnapping at St Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Papiri, central Nigeria. The federal government heralded this development as a “moment of triumph and relief” following one of the country’s most severe school abduction crises.
The incident began on November 21st when armed assailants stormed the educational facility, initially seizing more than 250 children and staff members. Earlier this month, approximately 100 children were released in a preliminary breakthrough, though confusion persisted regarding the exact number of captives remaining.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed Sunday that the total number of freed students has reached 230. Official communications posted on government social media channels emphasized that “not a single pupil is left in captivity” from the November incident.
The resolution of this crisis comes amidst growing security concerns across northern and central Nigeria, where educational institutions and religious centers have increasingly become targets for criminal elements. Just days before the St Mary’s abduction, similar attacks occurred at Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara state (resulting in 38 kidnappings) and Government Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi state (where 25 Muslim students were taken). All victims from those prior incidents have since been freed.
While government officials have not disclosed operational details regarding the rescue methodology or potential ransom payments, neighboring Nasarawa state governor Abdullahi Sule previously acknowledged the federal government’s crucial involvement in these sensitive negotiations, citing security reasons for the confidentiality.
The Christian Association of Nigeria reported that approximately 50 students managed to escape during the initial abduction event. The recently freed students are expected to arrive in Minna, the capital of Niger state, on Monday, with official photographs already showing children smiling and waving following their release.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated on December 9th that his administration remains committed to collaborating with state governments to enhance school security and create safer learning environments throughout Nigeria.