Nigerian Authorities Announce Release of 130 Abducted Schoolchildren

Nigerian Authorities Announce Release of 130 Abducted Schoolchildren

Nigerian authorities have announced the release of 130 schoolchildren who were abducted from a Catholic boarding school in Niger state. This group represents the remaining individuals taken during the incident.

Background of the Abduction
On November 21, over 250 children and staff were abducted from St. Mary's Catholic school in Papiri. This event constituted a significant mass abduction in the country.

Previous Releases and Current Status
Approximately 100 of the abducted children were released earlier this month. With the latest release, authorities state that all pupils are now accounted for. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed on Sunday that the total number of freed students now stands at 230.

Details of the Release
The method by which the government secured this most recent release has not been publicly disclosed, nor has information regarding any potential ransom payments. The announcement by spokesperson Bayo Onanuga included images of children. The freed students are anticipated to arrive in Minna, the capital of Niger state, on Monday.

Following the initial release, Abdullahi Sule, the governor of neighboring Nasarawa state, informed local media that the federal government played a critical role in the operation. He cited security considerations as the reason for not disclosing specific operational details.

Initial Escapes
At the time of the abduction, the Christian Association of Nigeria reported that 50 students managed to escape.