The children were among 315 pupils and staff who were kidnapped from a Catholic boarding school in late November. The fate of another 165 students and staff thought to still be in captivity is unclear.The 100 schoolchildren who were released have arrived in the capital Abuja, a UN source told the AFP news agency. They will be handed over to local officials in Niger state on Monday, the source added.
The children were among 315 pupils and staff who were kidnapped from a Catholic boarding school in late November. The fate of another 165 students and staff thought to still be in captivity is unclear.
A general view of a classroom at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwarra local government, Niger state
Nigeria has seen a surge in kidnappings in recent weeks
Authorities in Nigeria said Sunday that they have secured the release of 100 schoolchildren who were kidnapped from a Catholic school last month.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said 315 pupils and staff were abducted by gunmen on November 21 from St. Mary’s co-educational boarding school in the north-central Niger state.
Fifty students were able to escape in the following hours.
The fate of another 165 students and school staff, who are believed to still be in captivity, remains unclear.
A signboard for St. Mary’s Private Catholic Secondary School stands at the entrance of the school in Papiri, Agwarra local government, Niger stateA signboard for St. Mary’s Private Catholic Secondary School stands at the entrance of the school in Papiri, Agwarra local government, Niger state
Twelve teachers and 303 children were kidnapped from St. Mary’s in Papiri, Niger state
What do we know about the 100 children who have been released?
The 100 schoolchildren who were released have arrived in the capital Abuja, a UN source told the AFP news agency. They will be handed over to local officials in Niger state on Monday, the source added.
Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare confirmed to AFP that the schoolchildren have been returned.
Local media, including broadcaster Channels Television, also reported on the release of the 100 children.
It was unclear whether the release was the result of military force or negotiations. It is also not known which group is responsible.
Niger state authorities as well as the CAN have said they have not been formally notified of the children’s release. Nigeria’s government has also not officially commented.
