100 children abducted from St Mary’s Private School in Niger State return safely to their families. President Tinubu urges rescue of remaining pupils
A wave of relief swept through Niger State on Monday as 100 schoolchildren abducted from St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, returned safely to their families after nearly three weeks in captivity.
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President Bola Tinubu welcomed the release and immediately renewed efforts to secure the freedom of the remaining 115 pupils and their teachers.
He directed security agencies to intensify operations and ensure all victims are safely returned.
The school was invaded on November 21, 2025. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) reported that 303 students were abducted, while the proprietor, Rev Bulus Yohanna, confirmed 227 students and 12 teachers were taken.
Fifty children escaped captivity earlier, leaving 115 students and 12 teachers still in captivity.
The rescued children, aged five to ten, were received at a ceremony at the Niger State Government House by emotional parents, dignitaries, and security personnel.
Marching in a single file to applause, many showed signs of malnourishment but expressed joy at their freedom.
Governor Mohammed Bago assured parents that the remaining students would be rescued soon, and medical personnel would examine the children before returning them to their families.
“We want to thank Mr President, the NSA, development partners like UNICEF, and everyone involved in this rescue. We pray for the safe return of the remaining students,” Bago said.
President Tinubu commended the security agencies and reaffirmed his directive to ensure the release of all abducted Nigerians.
“From now on, our security agencies, working with governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists,” he said.
The release followed a three-day fasting and prayer organised by CAN across Niger State, with Christians from multiple denominations praying for the release of 265 children and teachers.
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Niger State has been a repeated target of mass abductions, including the February 2021 Kagara incident, with similar attacks recently reported in Kebbi and Kwara states.
