100 Abducted Nigerian Schoolchildren Released; Over 150 Still Held

Nigerian authorities have secured the release of 100 schoolchildren who were abducted from St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, on November 21. The children, aged between 10 and 17, were among the 303 students and 12 teachers taken during the attack. Approximately 50 students managed to escape shortly after the abduction, leaving over 150 students and teachers still in captivity.

The freed children arrived at the Niger State Government House in Minna, the state capital, on Monday, where they were received by Governor Umar Bago and other officials. The circumstances surrounding their release have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether any ransom was paid.

President Bola Tinubu commended the security agencies for their efforts in securing the children's release and directed them to ensure the safe return of the remaining abductees.

The mass abduction is part of a series of kidnappings in northern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target schools for ransom. Similar incidents have occurred recently in neighboring Kebbi State and other regions, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the country.