In a significant development, Nigerian authorities have announced the release of 130 schoolchildren who were abducted from St Mary's Catholic school in Niger state last November. This latest release marks a moment of relief in one of the country's most severe mass kidnappings, bringing the total number of freed students to 230. The federal government has described this as a "moment of triumph and relief."

The abduction, which occurred on November 21, involved more than 250 children and staff. While 100 students were released earlier this month, the exact number of those initially taken and the specifics of their release remain unclear. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that no pupils remain in captivity, though details on whether a ransom was paid have not been disclosed.

The Christian Association of Nigeria reported that 50 students managed to escape during the initial kidnapping. The students are expected to arrive in Minna, the capital of Niger state, on Monday. The government has not publicly identified the perpetrators, but analysts suggest that criminal gangs seeking ransom are likely responsible.

This incident is part of a troubling trend of mass abductions in Nigeria, reminiscent of the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls' kidnapping by Boko Haram. In November alone, there were multiple attacks, including the abduction of 38 church worshippers and 25 Muslim students in separate incidents. All those taken in these attacks have since been released.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to working with state governments to secure educational institutions and ensure a safe learning environment for students. "We will continue to collaborate with Niger and other states to make our schools safer," he stated.