Release Of St. Mary’s Papiri Victims Sparks Fresh Questions
By HAUWA MAGANA
ONE month after the abduction of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, the captives have regained their freedom, with security sources confirming the release of 130 persons on Sunday.
The victims were freed near the Nigeria–Benin border and transported through Wawa, Mokwa and Bida to Minna. Niger State police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development, saying both students and staff were among those released.
The announcement was echoed by presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare, who said all abductees had been freed. However, conflicting accounts of the number of victims continue to raise concerns.
Promise Kept, But Questions Persist
The release followed assurances by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who had promised that the remaining captives would be freed before Christmas. The initial abduction on November 21 involved about 265 students and staff, though around 50 reportedly escaped during the attack.
Fourteen days later, 100 captives were released, leaving uncertainty over the exact number still held. The school management and CAN previously put the figure of remaining abductees at 165, suggesting that dozens may still be missing despite official claims.
Security Crisis Deepens
Investigations by PREMIUM TIMES and The New Humanitarian indicated that the attack was carried out by a Boko Haram faction led by Mallam Sadiku, although the government has not formally confirmed this. Authorities have also denied paying ransom or conducting prisoner swaps to secure the release.
The incident underscores Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, as mass kidnappings continue to rise nationwide, evolving into an organised criminal industry with devastating human and economic consequences.
