BREAKING: In a dramatic turn of events, 50 students have successfully escaped from the clutches of kidnappers at St. Mary’s School in Nigeria. This escape occurred between Friday and Saturday, with the students reuniting with their families, according to a statement from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) chairman, Bulus Yohanna.
Despite this hopeful news, the situation remains dire as approximately 253 children and 12 teachers are still unaccounted for, presumably held by the armed assailants who stormed the school last week. The attack on the Catholic institution, located in northwest Nigeria, is one of the most alarming incidents in a series of school kidnappings that have spurred the government to shut down 47 colleges in the region for safety reasons.
In a powerful show of concern, Pope Leo called for the immediate release of all hostages during a mass in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, stating, “I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages.” This mass abduction has sparked international outrage and raised questions about the ongoing security crisis in Nigeria, where the government insists that both Muslims and Christians are victims of terrorist attacks.
The abduction follows recent claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who asserted that Christians are facing persecution in Nigeria—a statement the Nigerian government has dismissed as misleading, emphasizing that violence affects all religious groups equally.
As the search continues for the remaining hostages, parents and communities are left in a state of anxiety, hoping for their loved ones’ safe return. Authorities are ramping up efforts to locate the kidnapped students and teachers, with local hunters reportedly joining the search.
What happens next remains uncertain, but the urgency for action is palpable. Families and advocates are calling for a coordinated response to ensure the safety of children in educational institutions across the country. The international community is closely monitoring developments as this situation unfolds, with hopes for swift resolutions and the safe return of all abducted individuals.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops further.
