PAPIRI, Nigeria — An emotionally charged Christmas reunion unfolded in north-central Nigeria as families embraced 130 students and educators freed after a month-long captivity in one of the nation’s most extensive mass abductions. The released individuals, comprising schoolchildren and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School, returned to Niger state’s Papiri community late Wednesday, representing the final group liberated since the November 21 attack. The scene witnessed tearful mothers clutching their children, villagers lifting youngsters skyward with beaming faces, and thorough examinations ensuring the returnees’ physical wellbeing. Yusuf Timothy, father of freed student Rejoice, expressed profound relief: “This Christmas, since we are celebrating with our children, we are so glad. And this Christmas will be different from the others.” Rita Marcus, reunited with her son through flowing tears, simply repeated: “I am happy, I am happy. This happiness, it is too much.”
The incident highlights Nigeria’s escalating security crisis involving ransom-driven school kidnappings in Africa’s most populous nation. Authorities initially reported 303 students and 12 teachers seized in the Niger state attack, later revising the figure to 230 while confirming all had been released without elaboration on negotiation details. Most abducted children ranged from 10 to 17 years old, according to school records. Student Onyeka Chieme recounted to The Associated Press how gunmen threatened to shoot captives during the assault. The psychological toll on families was severe, with Timothy describing suspended lives: “Sometimes even though I’m asleep with my wife, if we wake up, we will start thinking. We will start crying. When are we going to see our child?”