St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, has finally seen relief as all the schoolchildren abducted by bandits have regained their freedom. The school was attacked in the early hours of November 21, 2025, when heavily armed gunmen stormed the boarding facilities, seizing hundreds of children and a few teachers in one of the largest school kidnappings in recent Nigerian history.
Reports indicate that 315 people — 303 students and 12 staff members — were abducted during the raid. Within the first 24 to 48 hours, 50 students managed to escape on their own and return home safely, giving families a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.
In the weeks following the attack, security agencies, the Niger State Government, and the federal authorities mounted intensive operations and negotiations to secure the release of the remaining students. On December 7, 2025, 100 children were successfully released, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing rescue efforts.
The fate of the remaining students remained uncertain until December 20–21, 2025, when the final group of approximately 115 to 130 students were released by their captors and immediately received care from medical personnel and security officials. The children were located in a forested area between Agwara and Borgu local governments before being reunited with their families.
Authorities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), described the release as a major relief and a significant success in the fight against banditry and school abductions in northern and central Nigeria. While official statements have not disclosed details about ransom payments or the nature of negotiations, the peaceful release of all abductees has been widely celebrated nationwide.
Parents, community leaders, and religious figures expressed immense gratitude to God, the security agencies, and government negotiators. Many families had kept vigil and organized prayer events during the month-long ordeal, hoping for the safe return of their children.
President Bola Tinubu, who had earlier directed security agencies to prioritize a peaceful resolution, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to protecting Nigerian children and securing schools from such attacks. The success in Papiri is seen as a model for addressing future abduction threats and demonstrates a coordinated approach between federal and state authorities.
The released children are now undergoing emotional and medical rehabilitation, while families begin the difficult process of recovery.
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