Approximately 100 children abducted from a Catholic school in central Nigeria have been successfully freed. This release comes after a significant kidnapping event last month at St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. The children arrived in Minna, the state capital, in minibuses under military escort, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Niger State Kidnapping Incident Overview
The abduction, which took place on November 21, involved over 250 students and 12 staff members. The children and staff were taken during a wave of mass kidnappings that have plagued northern and central Nigeria. Authorities remain unclear on the specific details surrounding their release, including whether negotiations were involved or if any ransoms were paid.
Government Response and Actions
Nigerian Governor Umar Bago welcomed the children upon their return. The governor of neighboring Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, revealed that the federal government played a crucial role in the release, although specifics remain undisclosed for security reasons.
Last week, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited the site of the abduction and met with local church leaders, including Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, assuring them of the children’s safe return. Despite this positive news, about 153 students and staff members remain in captivity.
Escalating Violence and Kidnappings
Recent trends indicate an alarming increase in attacks targeting schools and places of worship. Just days prior to the St Mary’s incident, another attack occurred on November 18, resulting in two fatalities and the abduction of 38 individuals from the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State. Additionally, on November 20, 25 Muslim students were taken from Government Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi State. Fortunately, those kidnapped during the recent attacks have since been released.
- November 21: St Mary’s Catholic School abduction.
- November 18: Attack on Christ Apostolic Church, 38 abducted.
- November 20: 25 students abducted from Kebbi State.
Ongoing Kidnapping Patterns
Further complicating the situation, at least 20 people were kidnapped last week in two separate incidents in Kogi and Sokoto States. These incidents have raised concerns among officials and analysts regarding the motivations and identities of the perpetrators. While some suggest these acts are the work of criminal gangs, others believe they could be linked to jihadist groups.
Government’s Stance on Ransoms
The Nigerian government has outlawed ransom payments to mitigate funding to these criminal organizations. However, it is widely believed that in many cases, payments still occur to secure the safe return of victims.
This ongoing security crisis has drawn international attention, with calls for intervention growing louder. Nevertheless, Nigerian officials maintain that individuals of all faiths suffer from violence, disputing claims that Christians are the primary targets.
