Agony, Hope Mixed as 165 Niger Schoolchildren Remain in Captivity Despite Rescue of 100

Parents of 165 pupils, students and staff of St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State are living in deep anguish, unsure of the fate of their children still held by bandits, even as 100 abductees have been rescued.

Last Tuesday, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, formally handed over 100 rescued victims 99 pupils and one teacher to the Niger State Government. While families of those freed celebrated with relief and gratitude, parents of the remaining captives were left with renewed anxiety, asking the same painful question: when will our children come home?

The handover ceremony, held at the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, brought together security officials, government representatives and community leaders. It was led by the Chairman of Agwara Local Government Area and ALGON Chairman in Niger State, Hon. Iliyasu Zakari, who assured parents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining 165 victims.

“Today is a day of hope for our people,” Zakari said. “We thank God for the safe return of these 100 children. Our security teams and community members have worked tirelessly. We will not rest until every remaining child and staff member is brought home safely.”

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed the release, noting that 100 out of the 265 abducted pupils and staff were now safely back. He praised God for sustaining the families through the ordeal and called for continued prayers.

For some parents, the day brought joy and tears of relief. Dauda Gwanja, whose son was among those freed, said he could barely contain his happiness.

“I couldn’t even force my wife to eat since the abduction. Today, joy has returned to our home,” he said.

Others, however, left the ceremony heartbroken. John Isaac said he searched desperately for his son among the rescued children but could not find him.

“I am worried and confused. I came with hope, but my child was not among them. We are trusting the government, but our question remains: when will they return?”

Parents whose children remain in captivity described terrifying accounts relayed by the freed pupils. Dauda Shekula, who still has three children with the bandits, said the children were forced to sleep in swampy areas, drink muddy water, and eat only once a day.

“They cooked for themselves, hardly bathed, and were bitten by mosquitoes. These are children between seven and ten years old,” he said tearfully.

Many parents fear the conditions could seriously damage the children’s health, in addition to the emotional and psychological trauma they are enduring.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, reassured families that the remaining abductees would be rescued soon. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, security agencies and other stakeholders for their efforts so far, and urged parents to remain patient.

“While we celebrate the return of these 100 children, we must continue our prayers and efforts for the safe return of the others,” the governor said. “The state government will not relent until every child and teacher is brought back unharmed.”

For the parents still waiting, hope remains but it is weighed down by fear, unanswered questions, and the desperate longing to see their children again.