Nigerian officials have announced that schools in Niger state will start reopening later this month, following a mass abduction in November that forced their closure as part of emergency security measures.
From 12 January, public and private schools 'in safe and secure areas' will be allowed to reopen, Niger state's education ministry said in a statement. The decision follows security assessments and 'extensive consultations' with security agencies.
November's kidnapping of more than 250 students and staff from St Mary's Catholic school in Papiri, western Nigeria, was one of the country's worst abductions to date.
Officials confirmed that all missing students and teachers had been rescued just before Christmas. It remains unclear how the government secured their release or whether a ransom was paid to their abductors.
For years, armed criminal gangs, known locally as bandits, have carried out kidnappings across many parts of Nigeria, with reports in the north-central region escalating recently. Schools and places of worship have increasingly been targeted.
Despite the planned reopening, just one day after officials announced the return to school, gunmen attacked the village of Kasuwan-Daji, killing at least 30 people and kidnapping several others. This incident has heightened fears among communities about future attacks.
The government underscored the need for local officials to ensure an 'adequate security presence in and around school premises' to protect students. However, schools deemed unsafe will remain closed until the security situation improves.
