Nigerian authorities have successfully secured the release of 130 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, on November 21, 2025. This release concludes a month-long ordeal that began with gunmen storming the school, initially seizing 303 students and 12 staff members. Though 50 individuals escaped immediately after the attack and 100 were freed earlier this month, 130 remained in captivity until now.
The confirmation of their release came from Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun, though details surrounding the circumstances remain unclear, including whether a ransom was paid. Local residents suspect that armed gangs, notorious for targeting schools and travelers for ransom in northern Nigeria, were responsible for the abduction.
Upon their return, the victims, primarily aged between 10 and 17, were reported to be malnourished and traumatized. One child recounted threats of violence from the abductors during the attack. Nigerian authorities plan to reunite the victims with their families before Christmas. Moreover, the country’s Center for Counter Terrorism has pledged to work with local communities to improve safety in vulnerable areas.
This incident reflects a growing trend of mass abductions in Nigeria, drawing international concern over the targeting of educational institutions. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has specifically pointed out the plight of Christians in Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis, which has intensified pressure on the Nigerian government to enhance security measures. The release brings some relief to affected families as the holiday season approaches, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger protections for schools and communities.
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