FG secures release of 100 abducted students in Niger State

The Federal Government has reportedly secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, two weeks after the mass kidnapping.
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‎The attack occurred in the early hours of November 21, where armed bandits on motorbikes storm the school, abducting an estimated 315 people (303 students and 12 teachers).
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‎Following the attack, 50 pupils managed to escape and were reunited with their families, leaving 265 individuals (253 children and all 12 teachers) in the custody of the bandits. With the confirmed release of 100 pupils on Sunday, December 7, the total number of individuals still held captive is reduced to 153 students and all 12 teachers.
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‎The rescued pupils were taken to an Air Force base for medical evaluation before being reunited with their families, with an official handover to the Niger State Government which will happen in a few hours later today, Monday.
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‎As at the time this report was published, it remains unclear whether the release was secured through negotiation, military force, or if a ransom was paid.
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