- The Presidency has confirmed the rescue of the remaining 130 schoolchildren abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.
- The students were freed through a military and intelligence-led operation, bringing the total number of rescued pupils to 230, and are set to reunite with their families in Minna ahead of Christmas.
The Nigerian presidency has announced the successful rescue of the remaining 130 schoolchildren abducted by bandits from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. The students were freed on Sunday, December 21, following a strategic military-intelligence-led operation.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development via a statement on X. He noted that this final group brings the total number of freed students to 230, after 100 others were released earlier by the terrorists.
According to Onanuga:
“The remaining 130 schoolchildren abducted by terrorists at St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, on November 21, have now been released. They are expected to arrive in Minna on Monday and rejoin their parents for the Christmas celebration.”
The students are expected to arrive in Minna today, Monday, December 22, to be reunited with their families in time for the holidays. This rescue marks the conclusion of a month-long ordeal for the Papiri community following the mass abduction in late November.
In other news,…..Nigerian music executive Paul Okoye, popularly known as Paul O, celebrated his partner, Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, on her 48th birthday with heartfelt admiration.
According to Naija News, Paul O shared a post on Instagram on Sunday highlighting Iyabo Ojo’s achievements in 2025, which included weddings, the joys of children and grandchildren, graduations, movie premieres, red carpet appearances, and awards.
He also acknowledged the challenges she faced over the year, mentioning the difficult moments, unexpected tests, and instances where people tried to use her name and fame for personal gain.
In his post, Paul O wrote:
“Happy Birthday! @iyaboojofespris My Ezenwanyi! Today we celebrate you, our Queen Mother your life, your strength, your beauty, and everything that makes you who you are.
2025 was quite a journey. It was filled with moments that reminded us how wonderful life can be weddings, children, grandchildren, graduations, movie premieres, red carpets, awards, and, of course, love. But life also brought challenges tough times, battles, and unexpected tests, as well as people trying to use your name to make headlines or bring you down.
Through it all, you smiled. Even when things weren’t easy, you handled everything with grace and met challenges head-on. Your kindness and support touch everyone around you, making us all fortunate to know you.
You are, without question, the strongest and most compassionate woman I know. Today, we celebrate not just your birthday, but the incredible person you are!”
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