Fifty of the 303 students abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State, Nigeria, have escaped captivity, while Pope Leo XIV has called for the immediate release of the remaining hostages. The escapees, aged between 10 and 18, returned to their families over the weekend, according to the Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State and the school’s proprietor.
The schoolchildren managed to escape individually between Friday and Saturday. Yohanna confirmed this development after contacting some parents. Currently, 253 students and 12 teachers are still being held by their captors. He stated, “As much as we receive the return of these 50 children with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims.”
Details of the Abduction
The abduction occurred when armed gunmen attacked St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community of Niger State on March 15, 2024. The attackers have not yet been identified, and Nigerian authorities have not provided updates on potential rescue efforts. The location of the remaining hostages is unclear, as is how the 50 students managed to escape. The school is situated near a key road that connects Yelwa and Mokwa, an area frequently targeted by armed gangs operating from extensive forests that link various states.
In a related incident, 38 worshippers kidnapped during an assault on the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State have been released. Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq attributed their freedom to the efforts of security agencies, although no further details were disclosed.
Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep sorrow regarding the situation 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 the competent authorities to take timely actions to ensure the hostages’ release.
The Broader Context of Insecurity
School kidnappings have emerged as a significant challenge in Nigeria, affecting its status as Africa’s most populous nation. Armed gangs often target schools to attract attention, leveraging the fear and chaos for financial gain. Since the notorious abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls over a decade ago, more than 1,500 students have been kidnapped in similar incidents, with many being released only after ransom payments.
The recent attack in Niger State coincided with another kidnapping of 25 schoolchildren in Kebbi State, approximately 170 kilometers away, further highlighting the pervasive insecurity in the northern region of Nigeria. In response to the escalating violence, Niger State authorities have closed all schools, and the federal government has also shuttered some colleges in conflict-prone areas.
Security analyst Confidence McHarry from Lagos-based consultancy SBM Intelligence noted that while there is no direct evidence linking recent attacks to political statements regarding “Christian persecution” made by U.S. President Donald Trump, the absence of consequences for kidnappers continues to fuel this crisis.
In a statement regarding the recent kidnappings, President Bola Tinubu emphasized his government’s determination to secure the safe return of all hostages. He remarked, “Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.”
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as the plight of the remaining hostages weighs heavily on the minds of families and advocates alike.
