Nigeria Secures Release of 100 Schoolchildren After Weeks in Captivity Amid Rising Christian Persecution
LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigerian authorities have successfully secured the release of 100 schoolchildren who were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger state, after enduring weeks of captivity. The children were taken on November 21, 2025, in an incident that has drawn widespread condemnation and highlighted ongoing violence against Christian communities in the country.
The release was confirmed by local broadcaster Channels Television on December 7, 2025, bringing relief to families and communities traumatized by the ordeal. The children, some as young as six years old, were held captive for nearly a month in conditions that remain unclear. According to Mary Barron, the superior general of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA), approximately 50 students managed to escape during the initial days of the abduction by walking until they found safety.
While the release marks a significant development, reports indicate that at least 253 students and 12 teachers remain in captivity, underscoring the ongoing security challenges faced by educational institutions in Nigeria. The abduction has intensified concerns over the persecution of Christians in the region, prompting international attention and calls for urgent action.
In response to the crisis, the U.S. government has taken a firm stance. In November, President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to escalating violence against Christians. The Pentagon, through statements from War Secretary Pete Hegseth, emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to demonstrate a clear commitment to ending such violence. Hegseth met with Nigerian national security advisor Nuhu Ribadu to discuss potential aid restrictions should the violence persist, highlighting the strategic importance of cooperation to combat terrorism and protect vulnerable communities.
The Department of Defense outlined its intent to work closely with Nigerian authorities to deter and degrade terrorist threats that jeopardize both Nigerian and U.S. interests. This aligns with broader U.S. efforts to support stability and human rights in West Africa, as detailed by the Department of Defense. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State continues to monitor the situation, advocating for the protection of religious minorities and the safe return of all abducted individuals.
The abduction of children from St. Mary’s is part of a disturbing pattern of attacks on schools and Christian communities in Nigeria, which has seen a rise in kidnappings and violence attributed to militant groups. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also expressed concern about the implications of such attacks on global security and counterterrorism efforts.
Local and international human rights organizations have condemned the kidnappings, urging the Nigerian government to enhance security measures and provide justice for victims. The incident has also sparked discussions about the safety of educational institutions in conflict zones and the need for increased international cooperation.
As the rescued children reunite with their families, the focus now shifts to securing the release of those still held and addressing the root causes of violence that threaten Nigeria’s diverse communities. The situation remains fluid, with continued vigilance from Nigerian authorities and international partners essential to preventing further tragedies.
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