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All 300 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Niger State have been released, according to Bishop Bulus Yohanna of the Kontagora Diocese. The bishop, who is also the proprietor of the school, confirmed the positive development, stating that Governor Umaru Bago personally informed him of the students’ safe return.
The freed students and their teachers are expected to arrive in Minna, the state capital, later today. They will be formally received by Governor Bago at the Government House, marking the end of a harrowing ordeal for the victims and their families. The confirmation of their release was also made by the bishop’s media aide, Dan Atori.
The presidency has affirmed that no children remain in the hands of the abductors. Sunday Dare, a spokesman for the President, announced on Sunday that an additional 130 pupils from Niger State had been freed, emphasizing that all kidnapped children are now accounted for. This statement reinforces the successful conclusion of the rescue efforts.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also confirmed the safe return of all abducted schoolchildren. He commended the diligent efforts of the security agencies, attributing the success of the operation to their dedicated work and commitment to ensuring the safety of the students.
The abduction, which initially involved over 300 students and their teachers, had sent shockwaves across the region and prompted widespread concern. The swift action by security forces and the cooperation of local authorities have been credited with facilitating the timely release of the hostages.
This incident highlights the persistent security challenges faced in parts of Nigeria, particularly concerning the safety of educational institutions. The government has pledged to continue its efforts to combat terrorism and protect vulnerable populations, ensuring that schools remain safe havens for learning and development.
