The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured the release of 100 children who had been kidnapped from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.
The release was formally confirmed to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) by the Bishop of the Diocese of Kontagora, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who said, “It is true. So far, 100 children have been released. We thank God for everything.”
The children were among more than 300 pupils and 12 staff abducted during a violent, pre-dawn attack on the school on November 21.
Previously, 50 pupils managed to escape and return to their families, according to the diocese.
ACN now calls for continued prayers for the safe release of all the remaining children and staff still in captivity.
Nigeria has seen a rash of kidnappings and other violence lately. In addition to the St. Mary’s kidnapping, 25 girls were abducted from a school in Kebbi and 13 female farmers were taken in Borno. There was also a massacre of more than 70 people in Southern Taraba and the displacement of thousands there.
