Freed Niger schoolchildren and teachers return to families
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has announced that all children and staff abducted from St Mary’s Catholic Schools in Niger State have been safely reunited with their families. Rev. Bulus Yohanna, proprietor of the school, confirmed the rescue and reunion in an official statement. The rescue was made possible through the combined efforts of the Federal Government, Niger State Government, and security agencies. The diocese expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the families during the ordeal.
What happened
- Rev. Bulus Yohanna confirmed that 230 people—12 staff, 14 students, and 204 pupils—were abducted and later rescued.
- An initial headcount after the abduction showed 315 people unaccounted for, but further verification reduced this number.
- Some discrepancies in the numbers were due to the chaotic situation, with some pupils fleeing into bushes and some parents absent during verification.
- All rescued children and staff have now been reunited with their families, with no reports of anyone still missing.
- The diocese thanked the government, security agencies, parents, and the public for their support and prayers.
