St Marys Catholic School.webp
The Digest:

The Federal Government has secured the release of the remaining 130 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State, completing the recovery of all pupils taken in the mass kidnapping last November. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare announced the development on Sunday, confirming that no children from the attack remain in captivity.

Key Points:
  • Over 300 pupils and staff were initially kidnapped in the November 21 raid
  • Gunmen arrived on over 60 motorcycles, shooting the school gatekeeper
  • This release follows the earlier return of 100 children on December 7
  • The children were formally handed over to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago
  • President Tinubu canceled international travel to address the crisis
  • A 24-hour security cordon and aerial surveillance were imposed across Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger
  • All schools in Niger State and many federal institutions in high-risk zones remain closed indefinitely
  • The abductions triggered global outrage and intensified diplomatic pressure on Nigeria’s security crisis
In a nation where the safety of schools has become a recurring storm, this final release brings a fragile sigh of relief, momentary calm in a tempest of insecurity that continues to threaten the very places where futures are meant to be built, not stolen.

Sources: Channels TV, Daily Trust