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.
Starting January 12, public and private schools in safe and secure areas will be allowed to reopen, according to a statement from the Niger state's education ministry.
This decision follows security assessments and extensive consultations with security agencies. The abduction in November involved more than 250 students and staff from St Mary's Catholic school in Papiri, marking one of Nigeria's worst kidnapping incidents.
Officials have confirmed that all missing students and teachers were rescued just before Christmas, but details on how they were released remain undisclosed, including any potential ransom payments.
Armed criminal gangs, locally termed as bandits, have been responsible for increasing violence and kidnappings in Nigeria, particularly in the north-central region. Schools and places of worship have become prime targets.
The Nigerian government recently classified these criminal groups as terrorists. Although paying ransoms is illegal, reports suggest that these laws are often overlooked.
Since 2014, over 1,500 children have been abducted from schools across Nigeria, following the notorious Chibok mass abduction of 276 girls.
While the reopening plans are in place, the specific schools to be reopened have not yet been confirmed; the education ministry indicated a list would be forthcoming. Unsafe or insecure areas will remain closed until further assessments can be made. Schools planning to reopen must register returning students and report data to the education ministry within a week.
Local officials have been instructed to ensure adequate security presence around schools to protect students against potential future attacks. However, just a day after announcing the reopening, gunmen attacked a village in Niger state, killing at least 30 people and kidnapping others. This incident highlights the ongoing security concerns within the region.
Community members are reported to be living in fear, with officials stating that residents are too terrified to speak out against the violence they face.
