Bandits release remaining abducted Niger Catholic school students, teachers

The remaining students and teachers abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, have been released.

A security official familiar with the development confirmed that all those still held since the attack on the school on November 21 have now regained their freedom.

However, the exact number of the latest group of released victims was not immediately disclosed.

The victims were taken when gunmen, riding motorcycles, invaded the boarding school at about 2:00 a.m., spending several hours moving from one dormitory to another before leading the captives into nearby forests.

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During the attack, at least 50 students reportedly escaped, while many others, including teachers, were abducted.

On December 8, security agencies had earlier secured the release of about 100 victims, leaving an unspecified number in captivity until the latest release.

Sources said the freed students and teachers are being conveyed to Minna, the Niger State capital, where they will receive medical attention and be reunited with their families.

As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from either the Federal Government or the Niger State Government on the development.

The Star