By Ayomide Otitoju
The Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Proprietor of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, has confirmed the release of abducted students and teachers from the school in Niger State.
According to Bishop Yohanna, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago personally called to convey the news of their release. The released pupils and teachers are expected to arrive in Minna on Monday, where they will be formally received by the governor at the Government House.
The confirmation was issued in a brief statement by the Bishop’s media aide, Dan Atori, with further details expected upon their arrival in Minna.
The Federal Government had earlier announced on Sunday that it secured the release of 130 kidnapped pupils. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare confirmed the development on his official X account, posting: “Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released, none left in captivity,” alongside a photo showing smiling children and a woman.
The abduction took place in the early hours of November 21, when gunmen stormed the Catholic school, kidnapping over 300 children, teachers, and staff. Sources said the attackers, who arrived in large numbers on more than 60 motorcycles accompanied by a van, shot the school gatekeeper, leaving him seriously injured.
In the days following the attack, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) reported that 50 children had escaped captivity. The exact number of abductees remains uncertain, with earlier reports putting it at 315. On December 7, the Federal Government announced the release of 100 of the kidnapped children.
