FG Secures Release of 100 Pupils Abducted in Niger School Raid — Families Rejoice as Trauma Lingers
By Paul Ebi
The Federal Government has secured the release of 100 pupils kidnapped from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The breakthrough, reported Sunday by TVC News and Channels Television, comes more than two weeks after armed bandits invaded the remote Papiri community in a midnight assault that lasted nearly three hours. As of press time, no official government statement had been released.
Mass Abduction Shocks the Nation
On November 21, motorcycle-riding gunmen stormed the school around 2 a.m., taking away 315 people — including 303 students and 12 teachers. About 50 children escaped within the first 24 hours and were reunited with their families, bringing the number of hostages down to 265.
Yesterday’s development marks the first major release of victims, relieving anxious parents who had camped around the community for days hoping for news of their children.
Growing Wave of School Attacks
The incident is part of a disturbing escalation of school-targeted kidnappings in northern Nigeria.
Just days earlier, on November 17, gunmen attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Dankowa-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, killing the vice principal and abducting 25 girls.
The ripple effects of such attacks have been felt across the region. Kwara State and several other north-central states have been forced to shut down schools and reassess security protocols amid renewed threats.
Authorities Under Pressure
While federal officials have yet to issue a formal statement, the rescue of 100 pupils has sparked cautious optimism. However, with dozens still in captivity, pressure mounts on security agencies to sustain the rescue effort and prevent further tragedies.
Families of the freed children continue to wait anxiously for medical checks and debriefing reports, even as the nation grapples with the trauma and implications of yet another large-scale abduction.
