By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Rescued kidnapped victims |
All 230 children and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Schools in Papiri, Niger State, have been successfully rescued and reunited with their loved ones. The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirmed the development, ending a harrowing ordeal that began with the mass kidnapping on November 21.
Reverend Bulus Yohanna, Proprietor of St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School, provided a detailed statement on Thursday. He verified that through the coordinated efforts of the federal government, Niger State government, and security agencies, all 204 pupils, 14 secondary students, and 12 staff members were safely recovered. He confirmed that no child remains missing, bringing closure to a traumatic chapter.
The statement also clarified significant discrepancies in the initial figures reported. Reverend Yohanna explained that the chaotic aftermath of the abduction led to an initial headcount of 315 missing persons. However, a meticulous joint verification process involving the state, security agencies, and the school’s Parent-Teacher Association later established the accurate number.
“A second and final verification… established that an additional 35 persons had either not been abducted or had escaped earlier,” Yohanna stated. He noted that 50 individuals had already escaped and returned by November 23. Therefore, of the original 315, 85 were confirmed safe early on, leaving 230 verified as abducted before their eventual rescue.
Reverend Yohanna emphasized that the initial overcount was not an attempt to mislead but a result of the fast-evolving crisis. Factors included pupils fleeing into nearby bushes and some parents being absent during the first verification. He expressed deep gratitude for the intervention of authorities and the outpouring of prayers and support from the Christian community, media, and the public.
NAN