By Peter Dansu In an unexpected and emotional twist, fifty of the students kidnapped from St. Mary’s Secondary and Primary School in Niger ...
By Peter Dansu
In an unexpected and emotional twist, fifty of the students kidnapped from St. Mary’s Secondary and Primary School in Niger State have found their way back to safety. The children, who were taken during a violent attack by armed bandits, escaped between Friday and Saturday and have since reunited with their anxious but grateful families.
Their escape was confirmed by the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State. Bulus Yohanna, the state CAN chairman and owner of the school, shared the encouraging news in a statement, explaining that as of Sunday, November twenty third, fifty students had returned home to their parents.
But the relief is only partial. According to the same statement, two hundred and fifty three people are still being held by the kidnappers. This number includes two hundred and thirty six pupils from the primary section, fourteen students from the secondary school, three children belonging to staff members, and twelve members of the school staff. Their continued absence hangs heavily over the Papiri community in Agwara Local Government Area.
The attack happened in the early hours of Friday when the bandits stormed the school, shooting the security guard on duty before rounding up the children and staff. Since the incident, security agencies and local vigilantes have stepped up search efforts to locate the remaining captives and bring them home safely.
The tragedy at St. Mary’s is yet another reminder of the growing wave of school abductions in northern Nigeria. These repeated attacks on learning centres have sparked outrage across the country and renewed calls for government action to protect students, teachers, and communities living under constant threat.
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