Fifty of the 303 schoolchildren abducted from a Catholic school in Nigeria’s Niger state have managed to escape captivity, according to school authorities. The escape occurred between Friday and Saturday, as confirmed by Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger state. He reported that the children, aged between 10 and 18, are now reunited with their families. Meanwhile, the Vatican expressed deep concern over the situation, with Pope Leo XIV calling for the immediate release of the remaining hostages.
The students were kidnapped during an attack on St. Mary’s School in the remote Papiri community on Friday. Currently, 253 students and 12 teachers remain in the hands of the kidnappers. Yohanna noted that the school was contacted by parents seeking information about their children’s whereabouts.
In a related incident, Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced that 38 worshippers, taken hostage during a church attack in central Nigeria, have also regained their freedom. This attack occurred at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku town, resulting in two fatalities. President Bola Tinubu attributed the release of the worshippers to the efforts of security agencies, though he did not provide further details.
Pope’s Appeal and the Context of Kidnappings
Pope Leo XIV expressed his sorrow during a mass at St. Peter’s Square, stating, “I feel great sorrow, especially for the many girls and boys who have been abducted and for their anguished families.” He urged officials to take decisive actions to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
The abduction of schoolchildren has become a tragic hallmark of insecurity in Nigeria, with armed groups frequently targeting schools to draw attention. Since the notorious Chibok kidnapping in 2014, over 1,500 students have been abducted for ransom. The recent incident in Niger state follows a similar kidnapping in Kebbi state, where 25 schoolchildren were seized just four days prior.
Niger state officials responded to the escalating violence by closing all schools in the region, while the federal government also shut down colleges in conflict areas. This response highlights the increasing urgency to address the rampant kidnappings that have plagued northern Nigeria.
Analysis of Security Challenges
The ongoing kidnappings occur amid allegations of “Christian persecution” in Nigeria, with attacks affecting both Christian and Muslim communities. Confidence McHarry, a security analyst from SBM Intelligence, remarked that the lack of consequences for kidnappers is fueling further attacks. Ransom payments are common in many areas, complicating efforts to restore safety.
In his statement, President Tinubu reassured the public of his commitment to securing the nation, declaring, “Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.” His administration faces mounting pressure to effectively combat these security threats as the plight of the kidnapped students continues to draw national and international attention.
As the situation unfolds, the calls for action grow louder, emphasizing the need for effective measures to protect vulnerable communities from the scourge of kidnapping in Nigeria.
