In a significant development, about 100 children who were abducted from a Catholic school in central Nigeria last month have been released, offering a glimmer of hope to their families and communities. The police chief of Niger state, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, and Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna corroborated the release, confirming that the children would be reunited with their parents as early as Monday.
Previously, more than 250 students and 12 staff members were kidnapped from St. Mary's Catholic school in Papiri, sparking widespread outrage and fear across the nation. The incident is part of a disturbing trend of mass abductions in Nigeria, particularly targeting educational institutions and religious sites.
While authorities reported the release, crucial details are still unknown, including whether it was secured through negotiations or involved ransom payments. Governor Abdullahi Sule of neighboring Nasarawa state remarked that the federal government played a vital role in facilitating the release, although specifics remain undisclosed for security purposes.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited the region last week, meeting with Bishop Yohanna and providing assurances that the children would be returned safely to their families. This reassurance comes amid escalating attacks on schools and places of worship in Nigeria, raising concerns about safety and security.
The abduction incident on November 21 was preceded by a series of attacks in other states, highlighting the severity of the kidnapping crisis in Nigeria. Recent attacks have included a church abduction in Kogi state and the kidnapping of Muslim students in Kebbi state, with all victims from those incidents reportedly freed.
Despite the government's declaration making ransom payments illegal to disrupt funding for kidnappers, there are widespread reports that families often still resort to paying up to secure their loved ones' safety.
Nigeria's security challenges have drawn international attention, with officials maintaining that people of all faiths are at risk, countering claims that Christians are specifically targeted. As communities struggle with this ongoing crisis, the hope for the safe return of all abducted individuals remains a priority.
