St. Mary’s Catholic School Hostages Freed After One-Month Abduction
By Yahaya Zakka, Minna
Approximately 130 students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, who were abducted by bandits on November 21, have been safely released after a month in captivity, according to the Nigerian Presidency. Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare announced via X that all remaining captives had been freed.
“Another 130 abducted pupils in Niger State have been liberated; none remain in captivity,” Mr. Dare stated, accompanied by photographs of the released individuals.
The assault on St. Mary’s Catholic School involved armed bandits invading the premises on November 21, resulting in the abduction of over 300 students and staff.
Following the attack, 50 pupils managed to escape shortly afterward and were reunited with their families. Negotiations between authorities and the bandits led to the release of an additional 100 captives on December 7.
This development effectively concludes the incident, with officials confirming that no victims are still held in captivity.
