There were scenes of relief on Monday as the governor of Nigeria’s Niger State presided over a ceremony marking the return of 130 children and teachers who had spent a month in captivity.
The group was abducted from a Catholic boarding school in the Papiri community, an incident that ranks among the most disturbing mass kidnappings in Nigeria’s history. Although no group has claimed responsibility, residents say armed gangs seeking ransom were behind the attack.
Kidnappings targeting schools have become a grim symbol of the worsening security situation in Africa’s most populous nation, prompting renewed promises from authorities to strengthen protection around educational institutions.
“We are putting in place urgent short-term security measures in high-risk areas, while also working closely with state governments, traditional rulers and religious leaders to build long-term, community-based safety solutions for schools,” said Adamu Laka, national coordinator at Nigeria’s Counter-Terrorism Centre.
He stressed that education must not fall victim to violence, adding that authorities remain committed to restoring confidence, reopening schools safely, and protecting every child’s right to learn without fear.
Officials declined to confirm whether ransom payments were made to secure the release.
“I don’t think it’s fair to the system or the government to focus on whether money was paid,” Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago told reporters. “What matters most is that these children and their teachers are back alive and unharmed. How it was done is for us to know.”
The school confirmed that most of the abducted students are between 10 and 17 years old. They are expected to reunite with their families ahead of the Christmas holidays.
