Around 100 children abducted from a Catholic school in central Nigeria last month have been released, according to the authorities. Niger state's police chief, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, and Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the local leader of the Catholic Church overseeing the school, confirmed the news to the BBC. The Office of the National Security Adviser has informed them that the children would be reunited with their parents starting Monday. Initially, over 250 individuals were kidnapped from St Mary's Catholic school in Papiri, contributing to a troubling rise in mass abductions in Nigeria.
The details regarding the release of these schoolchildren remain vague, including whether negotiations or force played a role, as well as whether any ransom was paid. Abdullahi Sule, the governor of neighboring Nasarawa state, mentioned that the federal government was instrumental in their release, but specific details remain undisclosed for security reasons. Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, previously visited Papiri and assured local leaders that the children would be rescued.
The increasing targeting of schools and places of worship reflects an alarming trend in Nigeria, highlighted by the recent attack on St Mary's on November 21. This incident followed other kidnappings, including one at the Christ Apostolic Church and another at the Government Girls' Secondary School.
Despite a ban on ransom payments in Nigeria, it is believed that in many instances, criminals still receive money in exchange for hostages. The situation in Nigeria's security landscape continues to attract global attention, particularly following statements from international leaders regarding the ongoing violence.
The details regarding the release of these schoolchildren remain vague, including whether negotiations or force played a role, as well as whether any ransom was paid. Abdullahi Sule, the governor of neighboring Nasarawa state, mentioned that the federal government was instrumental in their release, but specific details remain undisclosed for security reasons. Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, previously visited Papiri and assured local leaders that the children would be rescued.
The increasing targeting of schools and places of worship reflects an alarming trend in Nigeria, highlighted by the recent attack on St Mary's on November 21. This incident followed other kidnappings, including one at the Christ Apostolic Church and another at the Government Girls' Secondary School.
Despite a ban on ransom payments in Nigeria, it is believed that in many instances, criminals still receive money in exchange for hostages. The situation in Nigeria's security landscape continues to attract global attention, particularly following statements from international leaders regarding the ongoing violence.
