One hundred schoolchildren, abducted from their school in northern Nigeria last month, were formally welcomed home in a ceremony at the Niger State Government House on Monday.
The students, seized from their school in Pepiri on November 21st alongside more than 300 others, were received by state officials alongside their emotional parents. The event in the state capital, Minna, marked a partial end to an ordeal that continues for at least 150 pupils who remain in captivity.
No details regarding the circumstances of the children’s release or their condition during weeks in captivity have been made public. A medical official present at the ceremony, who was not named, expressed grave concern for the freed children’s wellbeing.
“Looking at them, I can’t say this is their condition, but we all know that for being over two weeks in captivity, those children certainly need some help. A medical checkup will be very, very critical for them,” the official stated.
The ceremony featured remarks from Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who framed the return as a historic moment. “Today is fundamental and very, very important to redefining the history of this state,” Governor Bago said. He extended thanks to President Bola Tinubu, stating, “We want to thank Mr. President for giving us all the necessary [support] to rescuing these children.”
The governor also called for continued prayers and expressed hope for the swift recovery of those still held. “For those that have been praying, continue to pray. We wish to recover the remaining students that are still in captivity. And by the grace of God, in a very short time from now, we’re going to record [their release], inshallah.”
This abduction is the latest in a series of mass kidnappings targeting schools in northern Nigeria. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack in Pepiri, local communities have blamed armed gangs, known locally as bandits, who frequently carry out such raids for ransom.
The fate of the more than 150 students still missing underscores the ongoing security crisis in the region.
