Dare Babalola
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora in Niger State, has released the names of 265 students and staff members who are still being held captive after the St. Mary’s Catholic School abduction.
The abductees include 239 nursery and primary pupils, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff members.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State on Sunday confirmed that 50 students had managed to escape from their abductors.
However, it released the full list of a total of 265 people who are yet to regain their freedom.
Earlier, the diocese said the victims were taken by gunmen who attacked the school in the Papiri community on November 21.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Niger State Chapter had condemned the abduction, describing it as a “barbaric act” and a “grave violation of human rights.”
The NLC urged security agencies to intensify coordinated rescue operations to secure the victims’ release.
Also, Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages, urging authorities to take timely action.
In his statement, the Pope expressed his deep sadness over the incident and called on the kidnappers to free the captives.
President Bola Tinubu also assured that his government will not relent until every hostage is freed.
The attack on St. Mary’s School is part of a larger wave of insecurity in Nigeria, where armed gangs have been targeting schools and communities.
At least 1,500 students have been seized in Nigeria since the Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping over a decade ago, with many released only after ransoms were paid.
