By Fredrick Nzwili
OSV News
Catholics in northwestern Nigeria celebrated just days before Christmas, as the last group of students kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri were freed by their captors.
Church officials confirmed that the remaining 130 students were released Dec. 21, ending a monthlong ordeal that began when more than 300 pupils were abducted from the diocesan school in Niger State. The school is owned by the Diocese of Kontagora and run by the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles.
“We thank God for the release of the remaining abducted children and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and efforts. May God grant lasting peace and security to our country and to the world at large,” said the sisters in a post on Facebook.
It is not clear who kidnapped the children or if any ransom was paid to secure their release.
On Dec. 21, Father Jatau Luka Joseph, secretary of the diocese, confirmed the release, while thanking all those who contributed to the safe return of the victims, including the government of Nigeria, the Niger state government and security services.
Nigeria’s federal government welcomed the release, saying it marked a fitting end to the year and that not a single pupil was left in captivity.