Fifty out of the 315 children kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger State, Nigeria, have escaped. The Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed that these children have returned to their families. Meanwhile, efforts continue to find the remaining 265 children and 12 teachers who were also taken.
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sadness about the situation and urged swift action from authorities. In response to this mass abduction and a separate incident in Kebbi State where 20 students were kidnapped, several states have ordered schools to close.
The escape of these 50 children offers a glimmer of hope for their families and a nation that has suffered from kidnappings in recent years. Reports state that the escape happened between Friday and Saturday, and it’s described as a brave act. The children were taken from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, and their number exceeds that of the 276 kidnapped during the infamous Chibok abduction in 2014.
Local police reported that armed men attacked the school in the early hours, taking students who were staying overnight. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bongo announced school closures in the area, emphasizing the need for unity rather than placing blame.
Many families, like that of Dominic Adamu, whose daughters are safe, feel a mix of shock and fear. One mother tearfully shared her concern for her two nieces, ages six and 13, who are still missing.
The military and local vigilantes are actively searching for the remaining captives, scouring nearby forests where the abductors may have fled. Reports indicate that St. Mary’s School had ignored prior warnings about the risk of attacks and has yet to comment on these claims.
Kidnappings for ransom by gangs, known as “bandits,” have become a severe issue in Nigeria. Despite a ban on ransom payments aimed at cutting off funding for these criminals, the problem persists. In a recent incident, over 20 schoolgirls, reportedly Muslims, were taken from a boarding school in Kebbi state, prompting further school closures.
In Kwara State, a church was also attacked, leading to two deaths and the abduction of 38 others. In light of these escalating attacks, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has postponed foreign engagements to address security concerns.
The situation reflects broader issues in the country. Campaigners in the United States have claimed that Christians are being targeted, a statement the Nigerian government has strongly denied. An official stated, “Terrorists attack all who reject their murderous ideology,” noting that many victims are Muslims as well.
In historical context, the 2014 Chibok kidnapping brought global attention to Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis, with many still missing today. The ongoing challenges highlight the need for urgent and effective responses to the violence affecting families across Nigeria.
For more information on how Nigeria is responding to security challenges, visit BBC.
