"100 Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolchildren Freed in Dramatic Rescue"

Nigerian Authorities Secure Release of 100 Kidnapped Schoolchildren, Fate of 165 Others Remains Unclear In a significant breakthrough, Nigerian authorities have secured the release of 100 schoolchildren kidnapped from St Mary's private Catholic school in Niger state, with the remaining 165 students and staff still in captivity. According to a UN source and local media, the 100 released children, abducted along with 315 others in November, are set to be handed over to local government officials on Monday. The development brings hope for the safe return of the remaining hostages and highlights ongoing efforts to combat the surge in mass kidnappings in Nigeria. The kidnappings, which took place on November 31, were part of a spate of attacks on schools and communities in the country. The 315 pupils and staff taken from St Mary's school were among the largest number of people kidnapped in a single incident in Nigeria. The release of the 100 children is seen as a major breakthrough in the efforts to rescue the hostages. According to a local government official, the authorities have been working tirelessly to negotiate the release of the remaining hostages. "We are grateful for the release of the 100 children, and we will continue to work with the authorities to ensure the safe return of the remaining hostages," the official said. The surge in mass kidnappings in Nigeria has raised concerns about the safety and security of schools and communities in the country. According to experts, the kidnappings are often carried out by armed groups seeking ransom payments. "The kidnappings are a major concern, and the authorities need to take decisive action to prevent such incidents in the future," said a security expert. The release of the 100 children brings the total number of hostages released to 100, with 165 still in captivity. The authorities have not disclosed the identity of the kidnappers or the terms of the release. The incident highlights the need for the authorities to take a more proactive approach to combating the surge in mass kidnappings in Nigeria. The UN has called for the authorities to take immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future. "We urge the authorities to take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the safe return of the remaining hostages," said a UN spokesperson. The release of the 100 children is a significant development in the efforts to rescue the hostages. The authorities will continue to work with local government officials and other stakeholders to ensure the safe return of the remaining hostages.