Release of Abducted Students in Nigeria
Approximately 100 children, previously abducted from a Catholic school in central Nigeria last month, have been released. Authorities, including Niger state's police chief Adamu Abdullahi Elleman and Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna (who oversees the school as a local Catholic leader), confirmed the students' release to the BBC. The government's Office of the National Security Adviser reportedly informed them that the children would be reunited with their parents starting Monday.
The initial abduction involved over 250 students and 12 staff from St. Mary's Catholic school in Papiri. This incident is one of several mass abductions reported in the region.
Details of Release Undisclosed
Specific details regarding the students' release, such as whether it was secured through negotiation or force, and if any ransoms were paid, remain unconfirmed. Abdullahi Sule, the governor of neighboring Nasarawa state, informed local media that the federal government was instrumental in securing their release, adding that further details could not be disclosed for security reasons. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu had visited Papiri last week, meeting with a delegation led by Bishop Yohanna and assuring them of the children's imminent rescue.
Context of Recent Abductions
Schools and places of worship have been targeted in recent attacks across north and central Nigeria. The St. Mary's school incident occurred on November 21. Prior to this, mass kidnappings included:
- November 18: An attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara state resulted in two fatalities and 38 abductions. All individuals taken have since been freed.
- November 17: Two people were killed and 25 Muslim students abducted from Government Girls' Secondary School in Kebbi state. All those abducted have also been freed.
More recently, gunmen abducted at least 20 individuals in two separate attacks: one at a newly established church in central Kogi state, where a pastor, his wife, and worshipers were taken; and another in northern Sokoto state, where a bride and her bridesmaids were among those kidnapped.
Attribution and Policy on Ransoms
Identifying the perpetrators of these kidnappings remains subject to differing analyses. Most analysts attribute these acts to criminal gangs seeking ransom payments. However, a presidential spokesman previously stated that the government believes jihadist groups are responsible. Nigerian law prohibits the payment of ransoms in an effort to disrupt the funding sources for these gangs, although reports suggest that payments are still made in many cases.
International Commentary
The security situation in Nigeria has drawn international attention. Former US President Donald Trump previously indicated a willingness to deploy troops if the Nigerian government continued to allow the killing of Christians. Nigerian officials and analysts have countered this perspective, stating that victims of violence and kidnappings represent all faiths and that Christians are not exclusively targeted.