The final 130 students abducted from St Mary's Catholic School in Papiri, Nigeria, have been freed, bringing a harrowing month-long captivity to a close just before Christmas.
Church authorities confirmed the release took place on December 21, concluding an ordeal that began when armed captors seized around 350 pupils from the diocesan institution in Niger State.
The school operates under the Diocese of Kontagora and is managed by the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles.
Catholics across northwestern Nigeria are now celebrating the safe return of all children ahead of the festive-period.
The Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles expressed their gratitude on Facebook.
"We thank God for the release of the remaining abducted children and staff of St Mary's Catholic School, Papiri," the group said.
"Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and efforts.
"May God grant lasting peace and security to our country and to the world at large."
The final 130 students abducted from St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri, Nigeria, have been freed, bringing a harrowing month-long captivity to a close just before Christmas
|GETTY
Meanwhile, Father Jatau Luka Joseph, the diocesan secretary, acknowledged the efforts of those who helped secure the children's freedom.
He thanked the Nigerian federal government, Niger state authorities and security services for their contributions.
"We also extend our sincere appreciation to the parents, guardians, clergy, religious communities, humanitarian organisations and the wider public for their prayers, support and solidarity throughout this challenging period," the priest stated.
The Nigerian federal government has also praised the release, describing it as a fitting conclusion to the year with no pupils remaining in captivity.
Mohammed Idris, the country's minister for information and national orientation, conveyed the government's sympathy for families who endured weeks of anguish.
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Around 350 schoolchildren were abducted from St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri, Nigeria, in November
|REUTERS
"The federal government empathises with the parents and guardians of the pupils for the agony the abduction has caused them, wishes them a pleasant family reunion, a good healing process, compliments of the season, and a Merry Christmas," Mr Idris said.
The identity of those responsible for the kidnapping remains unknown, and whether any ransom was paid has not been disclosed.
The abduction unfolded in stages, with captors freeing 100 students on December 14, comprising secondary and primary pupils, nursery children and one staff member.
Around 50 youngsters had managed to escape shortly after being taken in November.
The Diocese of Kontagora sits within the Kaduna ecclesiastical province, an area that has emerged as a focal point for ethnic, religious and political unrest.
Criminal gangs operating in the region conduct kidnappings for ransom, with violence levels comparable to Borno state, where Boko Haram originated.
Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna had spoken of hope in his Christmas message on 20 December, just two days before all remaining captives were freed.
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