Nigerian authorities free 100 children kidnapped from Catholic school

Sign of the private Catholic secondary school of Saint Mary, where on November 21 armed men raided and kidnapped 303 children and 12 teachers. Photo: AFP via Getty Images

On December 8, 2025, the authorities of Nigeria confirmed the release of 100 children, abducted by armed bandits from St. Mary's Catholic School in Niger State on November 21. This was reported by Christian Post.

According to the government, the released children were taken to Abuja, where they will soon be handed over to the state authorities. Church representatives report that they have not yet received official confirmation but express hope that the children are indeed rescued and safe.

The attack occurred early in the morning on November 21, when armed criminals broke into the Catholic boarding school and kidnapped 315 students and staff. This is one of the largest abductions of Christian schoolchildren in recent years in the region. Earlier, about 50 children managed to escape.

The fate of more than 160 abducted schoolchildren and school staff remains unknown. Church representatives urge believers to pray and express concern for those still in captivity.

Christian organizations remind that Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians: according to Open Doors, more than 3,000 believers were killed here in 2025.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Nigeria, Islamists attacked a church, abducting a priest and parishioners.

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