On Monday, a government ceremony marked the release of 130 children and teachers after a large-scale abduction in Niger State.
Release and Recovery
Police confirmed that the 130 children and teachers were freed on Sunday, a month after gunmen stormed a Catholic school in the Papiri community in a predawn attack. Some of the children appeared malnourished or in shock as they arrived at the ceremony.
The Attack
The attack saw gunmen seize 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers, with 50 of them escaping in the hours that followed. Earlier statements from authorities said 230 had been taken, and all were now released. Residents blamed armed gangs that target schools and travelers for ransom across Nigeria’s conflict-battered north.
Plans for Reunification
Authorities said they are working to reunite the children with their families before Christmas.
Security Response
Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, national coordinator at Nigeria’s Center for Counter Terrorism, told the event that “Nigeria will work with community leaders to boost safety in high-risk areas.” No group has claimed responsibility, and officials did not say whether a ransom had been paid.
Key Takeaways
- 130 children and teachers released after a mass abduction.
- 303 children and 12 teachers were seized; 50 escaped.
- Authorities plan reunions before Christmas.
The release underscores the ongoing threat of school kidnappings in Africa’s most populous country and the government’s commitment to restoring safety for vulnerable communities.
