Nigeria: Abducted schoolchildren reunite with families as over 150 remain captive
## Release of Abducted Nigerian Schoolchildren
Release of Abducted Nigerian Schoolchildren
On Wed, Dec 9, 2025, Nigerian schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community were reunited with their families following their release. The abduction, which occurred on Nov 21, involved 303 students and 12 teachers.
Fifty children managed to escape shortly after the incident, while the families of the remaining captives faced weeks of anxiety. Recently, an additional 100 children were released, bringing relief to many parents.
Most of the freed children, aged 10 to 17, arrived wearing football jerseys, robes, and slippers. They had been in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, since the announcement of their release on Sunday night.
St. Mary’s School Principal Felicia Gyang expressed gratitude towards the security agencies involved in the rescue efforts and hopes for the remaining captives' release. The government has not disclosed whether any ransom was paid.
Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community were reunited with their families following their release.
Currently, at least 150 individuals, including teachers, remain captive. No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, but local sources suspect armed gangs that frequently target schools and travelers for ransom in northern Nigeria.
The incident at St. Mary’s Catholic School is part of a series of recent mass abductions in the country. Similar attacks have occurred, including the abduction of 25 schoolchildren in Kebbi state and 38 worshipers from a church in southern Kwara state, all of whom have since been freed.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, under both domestic and international pressure, has committed to ensuring the release of all hostages.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
