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Final 130 Papiri School Pupils Freed After Year-Long Abduction in Niger State

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
The final 130 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, are released after more than a year in captivity, with Governor Bago confirming no ransom was paid and pledging stronger school security.

On the evening of Monday, December 22, 2025, the final batch of 130 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, arrived safely at the Niger State Government House in Minna following their release from captivity.

The children were received by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, officially bringing an end to a high-profile mass abduction that began on November 17, 2024, and persisted for over a year through multiple phases of negotiation and rescue operations.

Key Details of the Release

The Return

The pupils arrived at approximately 6:45 p.m. in government-chartered buses, escorted by heavily armed security personnel. Their return drew emotional scenes as families, officials, and humanitarian workers gathered to welcome them home.

Governor’s Reception

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed profound relief and gratitude, describing the children’s safe return as a “miracle of resilience and coordination.”

He emphasized that “no ransom was paid,” crediting the success to “proactive kinetic and non-kinetic measures” and the tireless efforts of security agencies operating across the state’s forest corridors.

Medical Evaluation

All 130 children are scheduled to undergo comprehensive medical screening and psychological debriefing at a state rehabilitation facility before being reunited with their families in time for the Christmas holidays.

Context of the Crisis

The Papiri abduction ranks among the most significant security challenges in Nigeria’s North-Central region in recent years.

While smaller groups of students were released in late 2024 and early 2025, this final group represented the last remaining hostages held in remote forest enclaves near the state’s border regions.

The prolonged ordeal drew national and international attention, prompting calls for stronger school protection measures and enhanced intelligence coordination to combat rural banditry.

Future Security Pledges

Governor Bago reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the “Safe Schools Initiative,” announcing a series of new security upgrades across rural educational institutions.

Key measures include:

  • Deployment of armed forest rangers to monitor vulnerable school zones.
  • Installation of solar-powered surveillance systems in boarding schools.
  • Expansion of community intelligence networks to detect threats early.

Bago assured parents that the state government remains “fully committed to ensuring that no child in Niger State ever experiences such trauma again.”

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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