By Onyeanya Immaculata
The remaining pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, have been released, bringing to an end the captivity of all victims taken during the November 21 attack on the school.
A security source confirmed the development, while the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, said 130 pupils were freed in the latest operation.
“Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released. None left in captivity,” Dare wrote on X on Sunday.
Although the exact number of teachers freed could not be independently confirmed, the latest release accounts for all remaining victims, bringing the total number of rescued abductees to about 230.
The students were kidnapped when gunmen attacked the boarding school in the early hours of November 21, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over school safety.
Sources said the freed pupils are being taken to Minna for medical checks and reunification with their families.
Neither the Federal Government nor the Niger State Government has issued an official statement as of the time of filing this report.
