Nigeria: Kidnapped schoolgirls released, reunited with families

Source: Fides/Vatican News

There were emotional scenes in Nigeria yesterday as 279 schoolgirls kidnapped from their dormitories on the night of 25 February, were released into the custody of the police and have now finally been reunited with their families. Fr Patrick Tor Alumuku, director of social communications of the Archdiocese of Abuja confirmed that the students from the GGSS Jangebee Secondary School in the state of Zamfara, in the north-west of Nigeria, were free.

Initially, the total number of girls kidnapped by the armed group was reported to be 317. The authorities later confirmed that it was 279.

During the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis made an urgent appeal for their release, asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary. He said: "I join my voice with that of the Bishops of Nigeria to condemn the vile abduction of 317 girls, taken away from their school, to Jangebe, in the northwest of the country. I pray for these girls, that they may return home soon. I am close to their families and to the girls themselves. Let us pray to Our Lady that she safeguard them."

Fr Alumuku said: "Pope Francis's appeal was very well received here in Nigeria, not only because the Holy Father has asked for the release of the girls, but above all because we realize that we need voices from abroad to make people understand what is happening in Nigeria."

In a recent message, the Nigerian Bishops warned that "Nigeria risks exploding" due to the government's inability to guarantee security and the growing number of armed groups.