Nigerian Schools Set to Reopen After Mass Kidnapping Incident

Nigerian Schools Set to Reopen After Mass Kidnapping Incident
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Authorities in Niger State, Nigeria, have announced that schools will reopen later this month following the mass abduction of students in November, which had prompted temporary closures for safety reasons. The Ministry of Education stated that, starting January 12, both public and private schools located in “secure areas” will be allowed to resume classes.

The decision follows extensive security assessments and consultations with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of students and staff. The November incident involved the kidnapping of more than 250 students and staff from St. Mary Catholic School in Babiri, western Nigeria, marking one of the country’s largest school abduction cases in recent years.

Officials confirmed that all students and staff taken during the attack were rescued. While details on how the government secured their release remain unclear, the announcement reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize education in regions increasingly affected by armed criminal gangs. Schools and places of worship in western and central Nigeria have faced a rising number of attacks in recent years.