About 100 Kidnapped Schoolchildren Freed in Northern Nigeria, but Dozens Still Missing

 

By Phanice Rono 

 Around 100 schoolchildren abducted from a Catholic boarding school in northern Nigeria have been released, government officials confirmed Monday, offering a glimmer of relief in a tragedy that has gripped the nation for weeks. The students were part of a group of more than 250 people kidnapped last month when armed men stormed the school at night and forced children and staff into nearby forests.

Families rejoiced at the news of the latest release, but anxiety remains high. Many parents say they have not yet been told whether their children are among those freed or what condition the survivors are in. Community leaders estimate that about 165 people are still missing, although the exact tally remains unclear due to slow and inconsistent communication from authorities.

Some parents, distraught and unable to return home, have been sleeping on school grounds or at nearby churches in hopes of receiving quick updates from officials.

The federal government declared a national security emergency following the mass abduction and deployed troops to aid in the search for the missing. Officials have not disclosed whether a ransom was paid or provided details on the operation that led to the children’s release. The lack of information has fueled frustration among families and raised concerns among transparency advocates.

“The silence from authorities deepens the suffering of families who are desperate for answers,” said one human rights activist, noting that confusion often intensifies emotional trauma for those awaiting news.

Rights groups have long warned that northern Nigeria remains perilous for students, particularly in rural areas where criminal gangs operate freely. In recent years, mass school kidnappings have become a lucrative criminal enterprise, with armed groups targeting institutions knowing that communities and government agencies will scramble to secure students’ safe return.

The repeated attacks have forced some schools in the region to shut down, leaving thousands of children without access to education.

Parents’ associations are now urging the government to bolster security patrols, install stronger perimeter fencing around schools, and provide consistent public updates about ongoing rescue efforts. Many fear that without substantial, long-term measures, school kidnappings will persist—and potentially escalate.

For now, families continue to wait, hoping that news of more releases will follow in the coming days.