In a temporary break from ongoing violence, about one hundred schoolchildren kidnapped last month in Nigeria have been released. The pupils were taken from St. Mary’s Catholic school in Papiri and arrived in the state capital, Minna, on Sunday with strong military protection. However, this good news is limited because more than 150 of their classmates and twelve staff are still being held by the kidnappers. This situation highlights Nigeria's serious and continuing security problems.
The mass kidnapping happened on November 21st, when armed attackers took hundreds of students and staff. This method has become sadly common in the region. The event is similar to a famous kidnapping in 2014 in Chibok and is part of a new wave of attacks on schools and churches. Just days before the Papiri attack, there were other large kidnappings at a church and a different school, showing that this criminal pattern is growing.
The operation to bring the children back was very public. A line of buses carried them to Minna, protected by military vehicles during the 300-kilometer journey from their remote school. While the trip itself was visible, the talks or actions that led to their freedom are secret. A state governor confirmed the national government's important role but said the details must stay private for security.
This secrecy has also caused some confusion. While the state governor welcomed the children, local church officials said they had not received official confirmation from the government. This shows how communication between different levels of authority can break down during a crisis.
For the children, the nightmare is not over for everyone. Originally, 315 people were taken. Although about 50 escaped soon after and now 100 have been freed, this means 153 students and 12 staff are still captive. The kidnappers, often called "bandits," operate in areas with little government control and make money from ransom payments.
The freed pupils will be reunited with their families on Tuesday, which will bring great relief. But this happens while the whole country feels deep worry and fear. Repeated attacks on schools and places of worship destroy communities and threaten education in unstable regions. While the release is a small victory, it is overshadowed by the urgent need to free those who are still waiting.