The nightmare began in the dead of night on November 21 when more than 100 gunmen on motorcycles stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School in remote Papiri village. In minutes, they rounded up 303 terrified pupils and 12 staff, marching them barefoot into the forest.
Fifty children managed to escape in the chaos, but the rest vanished.
For 17 agonizing days, parents prayed, protested and buried two who died from shock.
Then, on December 8, buses escorted by soldiers rolled into Minna carrying 100 exhausted children dressed in borrowed jerseys and slippers. Some looked lost, others broke down in their mothers’ arms the moment they spotted them.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago called it “a huge relief,” while Bishop Bulus Yohanna admitted his joy was “mixed with deep sadness” for the 165 still missing.
Behind the scenes, whispers swirl. Was ransom paid despite official denials? Sources close to the operation say negotiators used local hunters and quiet cash drops, even as President Tinubu praised the “brave rescue” with no details.
One freed boy, speaking softly to reporters, said the kidnappers threatened to kill them if money didn’t arrive soon.
As the reunited families cling to each other, frantic parents of the remaining children beg the government: bring our babies home before Christmas.
For now, the forest stays silent, and 165 hearts are still out there in the dark.
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