Relief in Nigeria: 100 Abducted Pupils Freed from Niger State School Raid, But Dozens Remain Missing
Nigerian security forces have rescued around 100 schoolchildren kidnapped from a Catholic boarding school in Niger state’s Papiri village last month, marking a partial victory against rampant banditry in the northwest. The children, aged 6-18, arrived in Abuja Sunday evening and await handover to local officials today, though details on ransom or rescue tactics remain undisclosed.
Details of the November Raid
Armed gunmen stormed St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School around 2 AM on motorbikes, abducting pupils from dormitories in a three-hour assault. The remote Agwara district attack echoes the 2014 Chibok crisis, with volunteers fleeing as attackers overpowered defenses.
Police chief Adamu Abdullahi Elleman and local bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna confirmed the releases via National Security Adviser channels, amid parental anguish and government vows for full recovery.
Ongoing Crisis and Responses
- Families endure weeks of despair; some as young as 6 among remaining captives.
- President Tinubu declared security emergency, boosting troop recruitment.
- Recent Kebbi school raid kidnapped 25 more girls, signaling escalation.
France pledged aid as Nigeria combats kidnappings-for-ransom plaguing vulnerable communities.
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