Around one hundred schoolchildren who were kidnapped in northern Nigeria last month were finally received with relief and celebration on Monday during a welcome ceremony in Minna, the Niger State capital.
Parents and students gathered at Niger Government House, where officials welcomed them home after their weeks-long ordeal.
Authorities have not provided details regarding how the children were released, nor what they experienced while held by their captors.”
Just looking at them, you may not immediately see their condition, but we all understand that after more than two weeks in captivity, these children will definitely need support,” said Theresa Pamma of UNICEF Nigeria. “Medical checkups would be particularly crucial.”
The kidnappers struck St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri community on November 21, abducting at least 303 pupils along with 12 teachers. Around 50 escaped soon after, while more than 150 others remain unaccounted for.”
This day is historic and very important for the future of our state,” Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago told families during the ceremony.”I thank Mr. President for the support that made this rescue possible. To those who have been praying, please continue. We hope to recover the remaining students still in captivity very soon, by God’s grace, inshallah.”
The Papiri abduction is one of several mass kidnappings that have become tragically common in northern Nigeria. No organisation has claimed responsibility, but residents suspect armed groups known for taking hostages and negotiating ransoms.
In early November, 25 students were abducted in Kebbi State under similar circumstances. Another attack on a church in Kwara State saw 38 worshipers taken, though they too have since been released.
The Nigerian government rarely shares information about rescue operations, and arrests are uncommon. Security analysts say ransom payments often lead to negotiated releases, something officials consistently deny.
Facing public pressure and international criticism, especially from US President Donald Trump, who claims Christians are being singled out, President Bola Tinubu has vowed to ensure every hostage is freed.
