By Hassan Osman Kargbo
About 100 children who were abducted from a Catholic school in central Nigeria last month have been released, according to authorities who confirmed the development on Sunday. The breakthrough offers long-awaited relief to anxious families after weeks of uncertainty following one of the most alarming mass kidnappings in the country this year.
Niger state’s police chief, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, and Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the local head of the Catholic community responsible for the school, both told the BBC that they had received official confirmation of the children’s release. According to them, the Office of the National Security Adviser notified state authorities and church leaders that arrangements for the children’s reunion with their parents would begin on Monday.
The children were kidnapped alongside more than 250 other students and 12 staff members during an armed attack on St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri. The incident drew national and international attention, becoming the latest in a series of mass abductions that continue to raise concerns about security conditions in many rural communities across Nigeria. Although some of the abducted persons had earlier regained freedom, the fate of the remaining students had remained unclear until the latest announcement.
Officials have not released detailed information about how the group of about 100 regained their freedom. It also remains unclear whether any negotiations or security operations were involved. However, the authorities say efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining abductees who are still believed to be in captivity. The government has repeatedly insisted that it does not pay ransom, although such cases often involve complex, behind-the-scenes arrangements aimed at securing safe returns.
Bishop Yohanna described the news as a moment of “deep relief” for the church and affected families, noting that the prolonged uncertainty had inflicted emotional distress on parents and guardians. He said the local Catholic community had remained in constant prayer and dialogue with authorities, hoping for a peaceful resolution.
Police chief Elleman added that security agencies will continue their operations until every missing child and staff member is accounted for. He urged the public to remain calm and patient while efforts continue, assuring that the authorities are committed to seeing the matter resolved completely.
The kidnapping at St Mary’s Catholic School is one of several mass abductions that have rocked Nigeria in recent years, particularly in the northern and central regions where armed groups have increasingly targeted schools. Community leaders and rights groups have repeatedly called on the government to strengthen security around educational institutions to prevent further attacks.
Families of the freed children are now preparing for emotional reunions, while the nation waits for updates on those still missing.
