The Governor of Nigeria’s Niger State, , on Monday led an emotional ceremony to welcome back 130 children and teachers who were released after spending nearly a month in captivity following their abduction from a Catholic boarding school.
The victims were kidnapped in November from the Papiri community in Niger State, in what authorities and residents describe as one of the most disturbing mass school abductions in recent years. The incident once again highlighted the persistent insecurity affecting Nigeria’s education sector and reignited national debate over school safety.
The released pupils, most of whom are aged between 10 and 17, appeared visibly shaken but relieved as they arrived under heavy security escort. State officials confirmed that all those freed were in stable condition and would undergo medical and psychological assessment before being reunited with their families ahead of the Christmas holidays.
One of Nigeria’s Worst School Abductions
The Papiri school kidnapping shocked the nation and drew condemnation from civil society groups, religious leaders, and international partners. While no group has formally claimed responsibility for the abduction, local residents and security analysts believe armed criminal gangs, commonly referred to as bandits, carried out the attack in search of ransom payments.
School kidnappings have become a defining feature of Nigeria’s wider security crisis, particularly in the northern regions. Over the past decade, hundreds of students have been abducted from schools, forcing many institutions to shut down or operate under constant fear.
Addressing the gathering during the welcome ceremony, Governor Bago described the return of the children as a moment of relief for the state but warned that the incident underscored the urgent need for stronger security measures.
“Our joy today is mixed with deep reflection,” he said. “We are grateful that these children and their teachers are back alive, but this must also be a turning point in how we protect our schools and communities.”
Government Pledges Stronger Security Measures
Nigeria’s federal authorities say the latest abduction has accelerated efforts to reinforce school security nationwide. Speaking in Abuja on Monday, , National Coordinator at the , outlined plans to reduce risks in vulnerable areas.
“We are implementing immediate short-term protective measures in high-risk areas, while concurrently working with state governments, traditional and religious leaders, to develop lasting community-based security solutions for education,” Laka said.
He stressed that education must not become another casualty of violence in the country.
“It must not be a casualty to violence. We will continue to pursue policies and operations to restore confidence, reopen schools safely, and ensure that the right of every Nigerian child to learn in safety is upheld,” he added.
According to security officials, the measures include increased patrols around schools, improved intelligence-sharing between communities and law enforcement agencies, and greater involvement of local leaders in early-warning systems.
Ransom Questions Remain Unanswered
Despite the celebrations, questions remain over how the release of the captives was secured. Nigerian authorities declined to confirm whether ransom payments were made to the kidnappers, a sensitive issue that has long divided public opinion.
When pressed by journalists, Governor Bago pushed back against questions about ransom negotiations.
“I don’t think it’s very fair to the system, to the government, for you to ask whether money was used or not,” he told reporters. “The most important thing is that we have gotten these people back unhurt. The other details are for us, not for you. What matters is that the missing children have been recovered.”
The Nigerian government officially maintains a policy of not paying ransoms, arguing that doing so encourages further kidnappings. However, families of abducted victims often accuse authorities of lacking transparency, while security experts acknowledge that negotiations—formal or informal—frequently play a role in securing releases.
Families Prepare for Emotional Reunions
School authorities confirmed that arrangements are underway to reunite the rescued children with their families before Christmas. Many parents had endured weeks of anguish with little information about their children’s condition or whereabouts.
“This is the best Christmas gift we could have hoped for,” said a relative of one of the freed students, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We thank God and everyone who helped bring our children back.”
Counsellors and social workers have been deployed to support the children, some of whom are believed to be traumatised by their ordeal. Experts say long-term psychological care will be essential to help them reintegrate into school life.
A Continuing National Challenge
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, continues to grapple with multiple security threats, including insurgency in the northeast, armed banditry in the northwest and north-central regions, and communal violence in other parts of the country.
Education has been one of the sectors most affected, with repeated school closures disrupting learning for millions of children. International organisations have warned that persistent insecurity risks reversing years of progress in school enrolment and literacy.
While Monday’s ceremony marked a moment of relief and gratitude, officials and community leaders agree that preventing future abductions remains the real test. For families in Niger State and across Nigeria, the hope is that stronger security commitments will translate into safer classrooms and an end to the cycle of fear surrounding education.
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