All the remaining schoolchildren abducted by terrorists from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, have regained their freedom, bringing relief to their families and the nation at large.
The release of the final batch of 130 students was confirmed on Monday by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed that the children were abducted on November 21 and have now been freed following a coordinated military and intelligence-led operation.
According to Onanuga, the freed schoolchildren are expected to arrive in Minna, the Niger State capital, on Monday, where they will reunite with their parents and families in time for the Christmas celebration.
“The remaining 130 schoolchildren abducted by terrorists at St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, on November 21, have now been released,” he stated.
He recalled that 100 of the abducted pupils had earlier been released by the terrorists, bringing the total number of freed students to 230.
Onanuga attributed the successful rescue to a “military-intelligence driven operation,” underscoring the role of security agencies in securing the release of the children without further harm.
The development marks the end of weeks of anxiety for parents and residents of the community, while renewing calls for sustained security measures to protect schools and prevent future attacks on educational institutions.
