In a rare moment of relief, 50 of the 318 children kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger State last week have escaped their captors and are now back with their families.
The students, aged 10–18, fled the forest hideout one by one between Friday and Saturday. Catholic Bishop Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna confirmed their safe return after visiting the families.
Background: The Niger School Nightmare
On November 14, hundreds of armed bandits on motorcycles stormed the school compound in broad daylight, shooting into the air and rounding up pupils and staff. They marched 318 people – 306 children and 12 teachers – into the bush. So far, only 50 children have made it out. 265 remain in captivity.
Kwara Church Attack Resolved
Separately, 38 worshippers seized during a deadly raid on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, were released on Saturday. Two people were killed in Tuesday’s assault before gunmen took the survivors hostage.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and President Bola Tinubu praised security forces for securing their freedom.
As Nigeria reels from yet another wave of mass abductions, families of the 265 still missing pray for more escapes or a swift rescue.
