Story perspectives

Mass Kidnapping: 154 Children Still Captive in Nigeria

12/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On November 21, 2025, gunmen abducted 253 children and 12 staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School, the largest kidnapping since Boko Haram's 2014 Chibok abduction.
Stephen Samuel, an 18-year-old student, described the chaos as he and others were forced outside together.
99 students were released, leaving 154 still in captivity.
The incident highlights growing insecurity in rural Nigeria and frustrations over the government's response and ongoing school closures.

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Story summary

On November 21, 2025, gunmen abducted 253 children and 12 staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School, the largest kidnapping since Boko Haram's 2014 Chibok abduction.
Stephen Samuel, an 18-year-old student, described the chaos as he and others were forced outside together.
99 students were released, leaving 154 still in captivity.
The incident highlights growing insecurity in rural Nigeria and frustrations over the government's response and ongoing school closures.