Fifty Children Escape Kidnappers in Nigeria's Niger State
A beacon of hope has emerged from Nigeria's ongoing security crisis as 50 children, part of a massive school kidnapping, successfully escaped their abductors. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed on November 23 that these pupils, seized from St Mary's co-education school in Niger state, managed to flee between November 21 and November 22, subsequently reuniting with their families.
Mass Abduction at St Mary's Co-Education School
The harrowing incident saw gunmen storm St Mary's co-education school on November 21, taking 303 children aged between eight and 18, along with 12 teachers. This abduction represents one of the largest mass kidnappings to ever occur in Nigeria, with the number of missing students accounting for nearly half of the school's total enrollment of 629.
Escalating Security Fears Across Nigeria
This latest event follows closely on the heels of another attack just days prior. On November 17, armed assailants raided a secondary school in neighboring Kebbi state, abducting 25 girls. These escalating security fears have cast a long shadow over Africa's most populous nation, prompting a wave of school closures across various parts of the country to safeguard students.
Calls for Continued Prayers and Government Response
Despite the partial good news, the Nigerian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the exact number of students and teachers still held captive. Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of CAN in Niger State, expressed mixed emotions, stating, "As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims." The international community watches anxiously as efforts continue for the safe release of those still held hostage.