By Adenike Lawal
The Federal Government has secured the release of 100 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The development was confirmed on Sunday through reports by TVC News and Channels Television, though an official statement from the government was still awaited at press time.
The pupils were among 315 people seized when armed men stormed the Papiri community on November 21.
The attackers, who arrived on motorbikes around 2 a.m., operated for nearly three hours. In total, 303 students and 12 teachers were taken.
About 50 pupils escaped within the first 24 hours, reducing the number in captivity to 265.
The release of 100 pupils marks a major breakthrough in ongoing rescue efforts, though many victims are still believed to be held by the abductors.
Security agencies and negotiators are continuing efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives.
More details are expected as authorities provide updates on the operation and the condition of the freed pupils.
