Nigeria: 24 abducted girls released, hundreds of children remain in captivity

Nigerian authorities have confirmed the release of 24 schoolgirls who were abducted on 17 November from a state school in north-western Nigeria.

The attack took place shortly after the army left the compound, with other abductions in Kwara and Niger states following in the same week.

President Bola Tinubu welcomed their return and called for a stronger military presence in high-risk areas.

In a parallel incident on 21 November, gunmen ambushed St Mary's Catholic School in Niger State and abducted over 300 people - mostly children. According to witnesses, during the attack, the gunmen threatened the children with weapons, with one of the teacher's daughters having a gun directly in her mouth.

About 50 students managed to escape. The remaining 253 children and 12 staff members remain in captivity.

Nigerian security forces are continuing their search while parents anxiously await any news of their loved ones.

(reuters, swag)