Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has taken custody of the 100 pupils from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, whose release was secured by the Federal Government after weeks in captivity.
The children, conveyed in several buses, arrived at the Niger State Government House around 5:20 pm, where the governor and other state officials formally received them.
Although reports emerged on Sunday that the Federal Government had facilitated their freedom, the Presidency has yet to issue an official statement confirming the development. Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, said on Monday that it had not received formal communication regarding the release.
In a statement, the Chairman of the Niger State Chapter, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, remarked that hearing of the children’s freedom would have been welcome news. He noted that stakeholders have continued to wait, pray, and hope for positive updates, saying, “It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released. We have been praying and waiting for their return. If it is true, then it is a cheering news. However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified. We hope and pray it’s true and will be looking forward to when the remaining will be released.”
The abduction occurred on November 21, 2025, when armed bandits invaded the school in the remote Papiri community, taking 315 people hostage—303 students and 12 teachers. Within the first twenty-four hours, 50 students managed to escape and were reunited with their families. Despite that initial breakthrough, 265 individuals remained in captivity, including 253 children and the 12 abducted teachers, until the number reduced to 165 on Sunday with the release of the 100 pupils.
The tragedy drew reactions from across the world, including from the Catholic pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. In response, the Federal Government imposed a 24-hour security lockdown around the affected region and deployed aerial surveillance across parts of Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States.
President Bola Tinubu also suspended overseas engagements to oversee the handling of the crisis. As part of emergency safety measures, the authorities ordered the indefinite closure of all schools in Niger State along with several federal institutions operating in high-risk zones.
Last week, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited the Papiri school premises, where he reassured school officials and distressed parents that the captives were safe and would soon be reunited with their families.
During a visit to the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and proprietor of the school, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, as well as parents gathered at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora, Ribadu said, “God is with them and God is with us. Evil will never win. They are going to come back. I give you that assurance.”
What You Should Know
The Papiri school abduction became one of the most serious mass kidnappings in recent years, involving over 300 students and staff.
The release of 100 pupils marks a major breakthrough, although more than 160 children and teachers remain in captivity. Governor Umaru Bago has publicly received the freed students, while the Federal Government is yet to issue formal confirmation.
National and international attention intensified after the incident, prompting President Bola Tinubu to halt foreign travel and ordering widespread school closures. Security agencies have maintained increased operations across Niger and neighbouring states, as families continue to await the return of the remaining abductees.
