Tears of relief mixed with lingering anxiety in Abuja overnight as parents were finally reunited with children abducted from their classrooms last month.
The emotional scenes on Wednesday morning marked the end of weeks of uncertainty for families connected to St. Mary’s Catholic School. Gunmen had raided the campus in the Papiri community, Niger State, on November 21, seizing a staggering 303 students and 12 teachers.
While 50 children managed to escape in the chaotic hours following the initial attack, the majority remained in the bush. This weekend, a breakthrough occurred when approximately 100 of the hostages were released.
A Bittersweet Homecoming
The freed students, aged between 10 and 17, arrived in the nation’s capital wearing football jerseys, robes, and slippers. For the waiting parents, the physical touch of their children brought overwhelming relief.
“It has not been easy for me… But today, in fact, I have a little bit of joy, especially because there is still one abducted. But I am now happy with this one that I have gotten,” said Luka Illaya, embracing his son.
School authorities expressed gratitude to the security forces but emphasized that the mission is far from complete.
“We thank all the security agencies that helped in the rescuing of our children. We are pleading that God should give them more strength to be able to rescue the remaining children,” stated Felicia Gyang, Principal of St. Mary’s School.
Hundreds Still in Captivity
Despite the celebrations, the crisis is not over. Officials confirmed that at least 150 students and the abducted teachers remain in custody.
The government has remained tight-lipped regarding the details of the release, refusing to disclose whether a ransom was paid to secure the freedom of the first batch.
Sunday Mojungore, another parent, clung to hope for those left behind. “We know that the God that made it possible for the release of our children will also make it possible for the rest of the children,” he said.
A Wave of Abductions
No specific group has claimed responsibility for the St. Mary’s raid. However, locals point to armed gangs who frequently target schools and travelers across northern Nigeria to extort ransoms.
This incident is part of a disturbing spike in mass abductions:
- Kebbi State: Just four days prior to the St. Mary’s attack, 25 students were seized in a similar raid.
- Kwara State: Gunmen attacked a church, taking 38 worshipers who have since been freed.
The security situation has drawn international scrutiny. United States President Donald Trump has publicly pressured the Nigerian government, alleging that Christians are being specifically targeted.
In response, President Bola Tinubu has pledged not to relent until every hostage is returned safely to their families.
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