MWE Correspondent
Around 100 students abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, Nigeria, have been rescued, government officials confirmed Sunday, though the whereabouts of approximately 165 pupils and staff remain unknown.
The mass abduction, which occurred in late November, has left families and communities across the region anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
The attackers struck in the early hours, seizing a total of 315 students and personnel. In the immediate aftermath, about 50 hostages managed to escape, fleeing into nearby forests and villages. No group has publicly claimed responsibility for the attack, leaving both authorities and residents in uncertainty.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact circumstances surrounding the release of the 100 students, but officials said that each rescued child is receiving medical attention and psychological support before being reunited with family members. Local security forces, military units, and intelligence agencies are continuing efforts to secure the remaining hostages.
“The safety and well-being of every child is our top priority,” a senior official said. “We are coordinating closely with local communities to locate those still missing and ensure they return home safely.”
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The kidnappings are part of a troubling trend in Nigeria, where armed groups, often referred to as “bandits,” have increasingly targeted schools in rural and semi-urban areas. Experts note that such attacks have disrupted education for thousands of children and deepened insecurity across the region.
Parents of the rescued children expressed relief, though many remain fearful for those still in captivity. “We are thankful for our children who are back, but we are praying every day for those who are still missing,” one parent said. Humanitarian organizations have called for stronger protective measures for schools and communities vulnerable to such attacks.
The Nigerian government has faced mounting pressure both domestically and internationally to prevent future abductions and ensure the safety of students nationwide. Efforts include deploying additional security forces around schools, strengthening community vigilance, and coordinating intelligence to dismantle the networks behind the kidnappings.
While the release of the 100 students provides a measure of relief, the ordeal underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining security in Nigeria. Authorities warn that families must remain vigilant, and national and local agencies continue to urge cooperation to bring the remaining hostages home safely
