Nigerian authorities say they have secured the release of the remaining 130 schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped from a Catholic boarding school in the country's central Niger state.
Nigeria's federal government described the latest release as a 'moment of triumph and relief,' following one of the country's worst mass kidnappings. More than 250 children and staff were abducted from St Mary's Catholic school in Papiri on November 21. Earlier this month about 100 of the children were released.
The authorities confirmed 'the rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff' in a statement, asserting that 'not a single pupil is left in captivity.'
Niger state police chief Adamu Abdullahi Elleman told the BBC that they were being 'examined by security forces and will be taken to their school tomorrow [Monday] to reunite with their families.' Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who oversees the school, verified the development, confirming that the local governor had informed him about the release and asked him to come and receive them.
Parents are in jubilation over the news of the liberation, according to Abdullahi Rofia, a local emergency worker in Papiri. The parents are expected to gather at the school later in the day.
On Sunday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga revealed that the total number of freed students has now reached 230. The exact figures surrounding the total number of abductions remain complex. On December 8, authorities managed to secure the release of 99 children and one teacher, leaving at least 165 others with the kidnappers.
However, according to the Niger state police chief, the 130 who have now been released account for all remaining abductees, clarifying discrepancies with the figures initially provided by the school management. It remains unclear how the government orchestrated the latest release or if any ransom was paid.
The announcement by Onanuga included photographs of children smiling and waving, expected to arrive in the Niger state capital, Minna, on Monday.
November's abduction marked another in a series of attacks targeting schools and places of worship across north and central Nigeria. Just days prior to this incident, mass kidnappings had taken place at a church and another school, highlighting the persistent threat against educational facilities in the region. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed to collaborate with local states to enhance security in schools and create safer learning environments.
Nigeria's federal government described the latest release as a 'moment of triumph and relief,' following one of the country's worst mass kidnappings. More than 250 children and staff were abducted from St Mary's Catholic school in Papiri on November 21. Earlier this month about 100 of the children were released.
The authorities confirmed 'the rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff' in a statement, asserting that 'not a single pupil is left in captivity.'
Niger state police chief Adamu Abdullahi Elleman told the BBC that they were being 'examined by security forces and will be taken to their school tomorrow [Monday] to reunite with their families.' Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who oversees the school, verified the development, confirming that the local governor had informed him about the release and asked him to come and receive them.
Parents are in jubilation over the news of the liberation, according to Abdullahi Rofia, a local emergency worker in Papiri. The parents are expected to gather at the school later in the day.
On Sunday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga revealed that the total number of freed students has now reached 230. The exact figures surrounding the total number of abductions remain complex. On December 8, authorities managed to secure the release of 99 children and one teacher, leaving at least 165 others with the kidnappers.
However, according to the Niger state police chief, the 130 who have now been released account for all remaining abductees, clarifying discrepancies with the figures initially provided by the school management. It remains unclear how the government orchestrated the latest release or if any ransom was paid.
The announcement by Onanuga included photographs of children smiling and waving, expected to arrive in the Niger state capital, Minna, on Monday.
November's abduction marked another in a series of attacks targeting schools and places of worship across north and central Nigeria. Just days prior to this incident, mass kidnappings had taken place at a church and another school, highlighting the persistent threat against educational facilities in the region. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed to collaborate with local states to enhance security in schools and create safer learning environments.
