In Nigeria, 130 hostages abducted from Catholic school released

Parents of abducted children at the meeting on November 28, 2025. Photo: Associated Press

On December 22, 2025, Nigerian authorities announced the release of 130 students and teachers from St. Mary's Catholic school, who were abducted on November 21, reports the Associated Press.

Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said in a statement that “the remaining batch of the abducted students” has now been released. When asked about the 35 unaccounted for schoolchildren and missing teachers, Abiodun told The Associated Press: "Further details will be communicated."

As earlier reported, on November 21, 2025, an armed group kidnapped 303 students and 12 teachers from the private St. Mary's Catholic school. 50 students escaped shortly after the abduction, and another 100 hostages were released by the authorities in early December.

Read also

UOC hierarch consecrates memorial crosses and chapel in Vartykivtsi

Bishop Job of Kitsman consecrated a cemetery and offered prayers for the repose of the departed residents of a Bukovynian village.

Rivne Eparchy launches pilgrimage procession to St. Anna Skete

Pilgrims in the Rivne region will travel with the wonderworking icon of the Mother of God “The Only Hope of the Despairing,” offering prayers for peace and for Ukraine.

UOC church in Chornomorsk affected by shelling

The Holy Transfiguration Church had its windows smashed and the grounds of the Sunday school damaged as a result of shelling.

Patriarch Theophilos: Jerusalem Church occupies a special place in Orthodoxy

The mission of the Jerusalem Church is directed to the entire Orthodox world, emphasized Her Primate.

Patriarch Theophilos in Athens: The Church of Jerusalem facing trials

The Primate of the Jerusalem Patriarchate spoke about trials in the Holy Land.

June 7 is Eve of Peter’s Fast

The Apostolic (Peter's) Fast, established in honor of the holy chief Apostles Peter and Paul, begins on Monday.