100 Nigerian schoolchildren back home after kidnapping

Release of Abducted Schoolchildren in Nigeria

A total of 100 schoolchildren abducted in northern Nigeria last month were returned to their families during a ceremony held on Mon, Nov 20, 2023, in Minna, the capital of Niger State.

The students, accompanied by their parents, were officially welcomed by officials at the Niger Government House. Specific details regarding their release and the conditions during their captivity have not been disclosed.

Theresa Pamma from UNICEF Nigeria emphasized the need for medical evaluations, stating, "For being over two weeks in captivity, those children certainly need some help."

Initially, 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted when gunmen targeted St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri on Tue, Nov 21, 2023. Following the incident, 50 students managed to escape, while at least 150 remain in captivity.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago highlighted the significance of the children's release, thanking the central government for its support. He urged continued prayers for the safe return of the remaining captives.

The Papiri kidnapping is part of a series of mass abductions occurring in northern Nigeria. Although no group has claimed responsibility, locals attribute these attacks to armed gangs targeting schools for ransom.

In recent weeks, similar abductions have occurred, including the kidnapping of 25 schoolchildren in Kebbi State and an attack on a church in Kwara State. While the latter hostages have also been released, arrests related to these incidents are uncommon, as ransom payments are often involved. Nigerian authorities typically do not disclose details of rescue operations or admit to paying ransoms.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has vowed to continue efforts to secure the release of all hostages amidst domestic and international pressure.

Based on reporting by Africanews.