99 Abducted Niger Students, Teacher Released, Unite With Family

The 99 students and a teacher of the 100 abductees released by the bandits who attacked St. Mary Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara local government area of Niger state, have been reunited with their families.

The chairman of Agwara council and Association of Local Government Of Nigeria (ALGON) boss, Niger State, Hon. Iliyasu Zakari, led a delegation of security agencies, government officials and other developmental partners to the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora for the official presentation and confirmation of 100 of them rescued.

Zakari, who said there were ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining 165  victims, expressed delight over the rescue of 100 of them.

He said, “Today is a day of hope for our people. We are grateful to God for the safe rescue of these 100 children. Our security teams and community members have worked tirelessly, and we appreciate their courage and sacrifice. We will not rest until every remaining child and staff member is returned home safely”

The Chairman stated that they would continue to work closely with the Niger State Government, security agencies, and the Church to ensure a total rescue and lasting peace in the communities.

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bulus Yohanna said, “I stand before you to receive, confirm, and announce the safe release of 100 children out of the 265 pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Private School Papiri who were abducted on Friday, 21 November 2025”.

“We give all glory to Almighty God, whose mercy and compassion continue to sustain our hope and strengthen our faith during this difficult time,” he added.

Dauda Gwanja, one of the parents who could not hold back his excitement over the release, said, “ I can not hold back my happiness when Father Ayuba called me this morning to come to Papiri for my son”.

“I am so happy to hear that my son is among the 100 rescued children. My wife is also pleased. I didn’t even force her to eat this morning, as I have done since the Abduction of our son”.

Also speaking, Emmanuel Agwara said, “We really thank God I am here for  my child, the release of the 100 of them brings the hope that  all the children will eventually be freed.”