Kidnapped Niger pupils regain freedom, Bishop Yohanna confirms

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, has confirmed the release of the schoolchildren abducted from a private Catholic school in Niger State.

Bishop Yohanna, who is the proprietor of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, said the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, personally contacted him to convey the news of the children’s release.

More than 300 pupils, alongside some teachers, were earlier kidnapped by terrorists from the school, sparking nationwide concern.

According to the bishop, the freed pupils and teachers are expected to arrive in Minna, the state capital, later today, where they will be formally received by Governor Bago at the Government House.

The confirmation was also contained in a brief statement issued by the bishop’s media aide, Dan Atori.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has assured Nigerians that no child remains in the custody of the abductors. A spokesperson to the President, Sunday Dare, disclosed this in a post on X, stating that all the kidnapped pupils had been released.
“Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released. None left in captivity,” Dare wrote.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also confirmed the development, noting that all the schoolchildren have returned safely. He commended the security agencies for their coordinated efforts that led to the successful rescue operation.