All Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolchildren Released After Month-Long Ordeal
The final group of 130 abducted students from St. Mary's Catholic School in Niger State have been freed, concluding a month-long captivity.
The last group of 130 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, were released on Sunday, bringing an end to a month-long ordeal that began on November 21. These students are expected to reunite with their families on Monday.
The mass abduction involved 303 students and 12 teachers. Shortly after the incident, 50 children managed to escape, and another 100 were released on December 7. The final release was confirmed by presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare, who stated, "Another 130 abducted Niger state pupils released, none left in captivity."
The circumstances surrounding the releases, including whether any ransom was paid or the identity of the abductors, have not been disclosed. This incident is part of a series of mass kidnappings in Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target schools for ransom. The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its handling of such incidents and the overall security situation in the country.
Source
The GuardianFact-checking
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